Dried Beans - How Long to Keep

By Hklbrries

Dear Heloise: I've had in my pantry for at least 10 years several varieties of dried beans in glass and plastic jars, such as lima beans, black-eyed peas, black beans, etc. They are very hard. Are those different kinds of beans still good to cook and eat? Thank you so much. I appreciate your help. - Clarita Q, Houston

Dear Clarita: We checked with the United States Dry Bean Council, and it would advise you to toss your beans. Dry beans can be held in an airtight jar out of the sunlight and in a cool, arid pantry, for example, for about 12 months. After one year, the beans either can dry out or absorb moisture, or they can become impossibly hard.

When loading beans into a canister, mark the date on the bottom so you can track your beans and their age. Hope this helps. - Heloise

Ingredients

• _ _ _

Preparation

Step 1

_ _ _