Beans- be its pinto beans, black beans, cannellini beans- no matter whichever legume you choose, the delicious beans are a winning ingredient to countless healthy meals! Beans are power-packed and delicious, and you can use them in various ways!

Be it cooked, boiled, refried, or baked; beans are a versatile ingredient and will never disappoint you! But unfortunately, all foods last for a certain period, whether kept at the counter, fridge, or freezer! So let’s see how long do beans last in the fridge? And the perfect way to store them in the fridge?

How Long Do Beans Last In The Fridge?

Beans have an indefinite lifespan, but every food item expires after some time. How long beans last in the fridge depends on how they are stored; fresh, cooked, or canned! Different storage methods have different answers to how long beans can last in the fridge! Let’s check them out.

Fresh Beans

Although they have an indefinite lifetime, it is good to store them in the fridge. Fresh beans, if kept in an airtight container can stay good in the fridge for 1-2 years. However, it is recommended that you always check fridge-stored beans before consuming them.

Cooked Beans

Cooked beans in the fridge can last up to 3-5 days. However, it is important to cover them properly and ideally keep them in an airtight container, which will help in retaining their texture!

Canned Beans

If you have bought them canned and won’t be using them for a few days, you can keep them in the fridge! An unopen can easily last in the fridge for 5-6 weeks, whereas an open can should ideally be consumed within 3-5 days. However, it is advisable to check for the given storage instructions on the can to see for anything particular.

Tip: Whenever you take out the can, always smell it before using. Do not use it if you find the smell fishy. 

How To Store Beans In The Fridge, Perfectly

The best way to store the beans in the fridge- whether cooked, fresh, or canned beans- is to keep them in an airtight container, or properly covered with plastic wrap! In addition to the increased useful life, storing them covered or airtight helps retain its original- crispy texture!

How to Tell if Beans Are Bad?

Whether cooked or uncooked, beans can go bad after a specific time no matter wherever you keep them- shelf, fridge, or freezer. Some ways to tell if beans have gone bad are that beans do not have a strong smell, so if they start having a strong or unusual smell, they have gone bad.

If you see any traces of mold or dark spots on the beans- that means they are spoiled- throw them away!

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FAQS

How long do homemade beans stay good in the fridge?

You can keep the homemade or cooked beans for 3-5 days in the fridge. After cooking the beans, let them cool down properly, then keep them in the fridge- in an airtight box.

How to know if refrigerated beans are bad?

When you take out any food item from the fridge, it’s better to check them before using it. Similarly, check beans when you take them out from the fridge- if there are black spots or mold on them or if they smell unusual or strong to you, it means that the beans are bad- discard them.

So, if you want to refrigerate cooked or canned beans, you can easily do that- just keep the lifespan in your mind because surely no one wants these delicious legumes to be spoiled and throw them away! Hope this article was informative and interesting for you! Don’t forget to share your valuable feedback with us in the comments section below!