Did you buy in bulk, or did you just make a large quantity of canned beans at home and wonder if you could freeze them to keep them longer? Let’s find out!
Have you ever opened a can of beans and found yourself with more than you can handle? Well, fear not! I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to let those precious legumes go to waste. You can freeze canned beans and save them for another day!
But, before you go ahead and throw that can in the freezer, let’s talk about some important things you need to know. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of freezing canned beans, including the best ways to freeze them, how long they’ll last, and some handy tips and tricks to make sure you get the most out of your beans.
So, grab a cup of coffee and let’s get started!
Can You Freeze Canned Beans?
Yes, canned beans can be frozen for later use. After draining and rinsing them, transfer the beans to a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some space for expansion. For added convenience, you can portion them out into smaller servings before freezing.
However, it’s important to note that the texture of the beans may change after freezing and thawing. They may become softer and lose their shape, so they may not be suitable for use in dishes where the texture of the beans is important.
It’s best to use frozen beans in dishes that will be mashed or pureed, such as soups or dips.
In this article, we will explore all the benefits and drawbacks and share with you a few tips that will help you keep the maximum of the original texture of the canned beans.
Whether you want to extend the shelf life of your canned beans or simply want to have some on hand for a quick meal, this article will provide you with the information you need to decide.
Can You Save Canned Beans After Opening?
Yes, you can freeze the canned beans for up to 1 year once you open the jar. However, it is recommended not to let them in the freezer for more than 6 months as the texture and taste may start to change.
How to Freeze Them?
To freeze canned beans, drain and rinse them thoroughly to remove any excess liquid or additives. Then, place the beans in a sealable plastic bag or airtight container.
Only after that can you move the canned beans into the freezer. Also, if you have under your hands a vacuum sealer, you can use it for even better results as it will remove all the air excesses.
Quick Note: Don’t forget to stick a freezing label on them with the date of freezing and an expiration date of up to one year. The shorter – the better.
One of the great things about freezing canned beans is that you can portion them out in a way that suits your needs. Whether you want to freeze them in small quantities for quick snacks or larger portions for family dinners, it’s totally up to you. Plus, you can use any type of canned beans you like, from kidney beans to black beans to chickpeas and beyond.
How Long Can I Store Them?
In their original package
If you keep the canned beans in a dark place in your pantry, they will last until the expiration date on their package. Ensure they are not sitting in direct sunlight or near a heat source.
In the freezer
It is recommended to keep the canned or boiled beans in the freezer for up to 6 months. After this period, the taste and texture will suffer. However, you may keep them for up to a year in the fridge if you’re ready to sacrifice a little bit of the texture and taste of the canned beans.
Will the Taste and Texture Change After Freezing?
If you keep the frozen, canned beans for more than 6 months, you may start noticing a difference in their texture, and in some cases, the taste also may change. Another difference you may notice is that the canned beans, after freezing, may darken in color.
Quick Note: One of the most important things while thinking about the texture and taste of the frozen, canned beans will be how you will thaw them.
How to Defrost them Correctly?
If you want to keep the maximum of their texture, then it is recommended to take them off the freezer the night before and let them thaw slowly in the fridge overnight. If you mash them or use them in soup, you can cook them directly from frozen or use the defrost function of your microwave oven.
Where Can I Use Frozen, Canned Beans?
You can use frozen beans in any recipe that calls for dried beans, as they are very versatile. A few ideas will be adding them to soups, stews, gravies, and casseroles. They can also be added to different salads or sandwiches.
Can You Refreeze Canned Beans?
It is not recommended to refreeze the canned beans multiple times because there is a high risk of bacteria forming them, and they will become too mushy. Their texture will ruin it completely.
Because of that, it is recommended to divide the canned beans into a few smaller containers or freezing bags of the size you will eat in a single sit. So, in that way, you will don’t have the need to refreeze the canned beans.
How to Know if Canned Beans Go Bad?
If you have doubts that the canned beans went bad, look at the tips below. If you notice at least one of these signs, please throw away these beans to avoid food poisoning.
- Check the date on the container. If the date is past due, it may be time to replace the beans.
- Check for leakage. If water spills out of the can, it may be time to throw them away in the trash bin.
- Look for brown spots on the beans. This indicates that there has been damage to the bean cells, and they may not be as fresh as they once were.
- Do the beans smell differently? Are you noticing an unpleasant odor? If yes, avoid eating these beans.
Conclusion
The most important thing when it comes to storing and freezing the canned beans is to keep them in a cool, dry place and ensure they are well-sealed to prevent air from entering the container and causing the beans to spoil.
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