How To Preserve Beans

There are different types of beans consumed all over the world. Beans are seeds of crops that belong to the family of legumes (Fabaceae). Being very proteinous foods, people are encouraged to eat them often. They are chief sources of protein and are one of the most valuable non-perishable foods. Popular beans include white beans, black beans, pinto beans, navy beans, lentils, and split peas.

Dried beans are usually sold in plastic bags and can last for a long time. However, they are usually attacked by small insect pests like beetles and weevils while in storage. This poses a serious problem and usually gives both farmers and households cause for concern. The following are ways to preserve your beans away from beetles or weevils.

1. Place the beans in a freezer: Sometimes the beans purchased from the market may have these insects in them or their eggs which might turn into an infestation in storage. This is why it is encouraged that you keep your beans in the freezer for some time. The cold temperature will kill any weevils or beetles in the beans.

Put in an airtight container: If you want to store dried beans no matter the type, put them in an airtight container. This is after you must have kept them in a freezer for some time to eliminate any insect already within it. Weevils or beetles will be unable to get access to the beans in the container and they should last about three years in there. Make sure to keep it in a dark, cool, and dry place.

Keep your beans in vacuum sealed bags: Dried beans that are vacuum sealed can last up to five years. All you have to do is vacuum seal your storage bags for beans to remove excess air(oxygen).

Put oxygen absorbers in the beans container: Oxygen absorbers remove oxygen from the atmosphere as they contain Iron. Put oxygen absorbers into your bean container and the bugs will die once deprived of oxygen. Dried cayenne pepper, ginger, or turmeric can also be used in place of oxygen absorbers. These items will suffocate the bugs to death.

Remember, it is important to take proper care of our foodstuffs for healthy living.