How Long Do Canned Great Northern Beans Last Once Opened?

Shelf Life Tips

• How long does a can of great northern beans last once opened? The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep opened great northern beans refrigerated and tightly covered.
• To maximize the shelf life of canned great northern beans after opening, refrigerate in covered glass or plastic container.
• How long do opened canned great northern beans last in the refrigerator? Canned great northern beans that have been continuously refrigerated will keep for about 3 to 4 days.
• Are canned great northern beans safe to use after the "expiration" date on the package? Yes, provided they have been stored properly, the can or package is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage (see below) - commercially canned great northern beans will typically carry a "Best By," "Best if Used By," "Best Before", or "Best When Used By" date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the great northern beans will remain at peak quality.
• To further extend the shelf life of opened canned great northern beans, freeze them: to freeze canned great northern beans, place inside covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• The texture of canned great northern beans will be softer after freezing and thawing; the thawed great northern beans will be best suited to cooked dishes, such as sauces, soups and casseroles.
• How long do canned great northern beans last in the freezer? Properly stored, they will maintain best quality for about 2 months, but will remain safe beyond that time.
• The freezer time shown is for best quality only - great northern beans that have been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
• How long do canned great northern beans last after being frozen and thawed? Great northern beans that have been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator before using; great northern beans that were thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be used immediately.
• How can you tell if opened canned great northern beans are bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the great northern beans: if the great northern beans develop an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold appears, they should be discarded.
• Discard all great northern beans from cans or packages that are leaking, rusting, bulging or severely dented.

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