Shelf Life Tips
- How long do dried black beans last? The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions - to maximize the shelf life of dried black beans store in a cool, dry area.
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How long do dried black beans last at room temperature? Properly stored, dried black beans will generally stay at best quality for about 2 to 3 years at normal room temperature, although they will usually remain safe to use after that.
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To maximize the shelf life of dried black beans, keep the package tightly closed at all times.
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To further maximize the shelf life of dried black beans once the package is opened, transfer dried black beans to a covered airtight container or place the dried black beans package in a resealable plastic freezer bag.
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Are dried black beans safe to use after the "expiration" date on the package? Yes, provided it is properly stored and the package is undamaged - commercially packaged dried black 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 dried black beans will remain at peak quality.
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Storage time shown is for best quality only - after that, the dried black beans' texture, color or flavor may change, but in most cases, they will still be safe to consume if they have been stored properly, the package is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage (see below).
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How can you tell if dried black beans are bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the dried black beans: if the dried black beans develop an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold or insects appear, they should be discarded.
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Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here
