DRIED BEANS
INTRODUCTION Legume (bean) varieties such as: Adzuki, Black, Black-eyed, Black Turtle, Garbanzo, Great Northern, Kidney, Lentils, Lima, Mung, Navy, Pink, Pinto, Small Red, Soy, and Split-pea can all be dried and stored. These dried beans have been used as a staple in diets dating back long before Biblical days. Dry beans are dense in nutrition and have been shown to reduce disease and encourage good health. Most Americans should consume about 3 cups of beans per week (Raatz, 2010). Beans come in various flavors, colors, shapes, and sizes but the nutritional content is similar. Beans are full of protein, carbohydrates, and are low in fat. Beans are rich in vitamins and minerals, which may reduce heart disease and cancer.
QUALITY & PURCHASE For the most part, dry beans are graded U.S. No.1 (best) through U.S. No. 3, based on defects. Lesser quality beans are generally graded “substandard” or “sample.”
PACKAGING
STORAGE CONDITIONS & SHELF LIFE Dry beans should be stored in airtight containers in cool, dark, dry conditions. For best color and flavor, use dried beans within 12 months. Storing beans in temperatures within 50-70 degrees and in moisture-free areas will lengthen their shelf life. Research indicates that beans are an ideal longterm (20-30 years) food storage product when stored in No. 10 cans, Mylar®-type bags, or airtight containers and in ideal cool, dry, and dark conditions. Beans purchased in normal polyethylene (food-grade) bags generally have a shelf life of 1 year or more. A research study conducted by Brigham Young University indicated that pinto beans did experience a slight
Like most stored foods, beans are best stored in the absence of
loss of quality during storage. However, samples that had been
oxygen and light. Oxygen can lead to rancidity of bean oils and
stored up to 30 years had greater than 80 percent acceptance
light will quickly fade bean color. The packaging choices are
by a consumer taste panel for emergency food use. The study
No. 10 cans or Mylar®-type bags. Canning jars are suitable for
concluded that pinto beans should be considered acceptable
smaller quantities provided the jars are stored in a dark place.
for use in long-term food storage (IFT Annual Meeting, 2005).
Oxygen absorbers should be used to remove oxygen from the packages to extend shelf life and minimize off-flavors.
DRIED FOOD STORAGE
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