Storing Beans

Uncooked, dry beans should be stored in tightly sealed containers and kept in a cool, dry area. While storage time does not affect nutrient value, beans may require longer cook times as they age.

Cooked beans, if refrigerated, will keep for up to five days in a covered container. Do not store beans in their original cooking pot! After cooking, place leftover beans in tightly covered containers to allow for proper cooling and storage. Cooked beans may also be frozen for later use.

When it comes to beans, health-conscious humans—and experienced bean farmers—know more than pesky critters down in the barn, apparently. Unlike stored corn, mice won’t even try the seed beans, unless those beans are stored near corn seed!