Kidney beans are a vegetarian staple because they are high in plant-based protein and soluble fiber. But, if you have an excess of kidney beans on hand, can you freeze them? Kidney beans are frequently marketed in cans or dried form. And if you want to keep your favorite beans in the freezer for any reason, you can.
Depending on whether the kidney beans are canned, dried, uncooked, or soaked/cooked before freezing, you can prepare them for long-term preservation.
But what about the flavor of thawed kidney beans? Will they taste as wonderful as fresh beans? Again, the preparation will affect the flavor and texture of the kidney beans.
Beans that have been soaked but not cooked before freezing can remain fresh in the freezer for up to 4 months. Cooked frozen beans will keep in the freezer for around 6 months. Leftover canned kidney beans can be frozen for up to a month. The longest shelf life is achieved by storing dried or uncooked beans in the freezer. When stored at a constant temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit in the freezer, the beans will last eternally.
Now that you know how long kidney beans can remain fresh in the freezer, here’s a step-by-step instruction on how to freeze kidney beans:
How to Freeze Kidney Beans?
The preparation will vary depending on how you want to freeze the beans. Do you want to freeze the beans without cooking them first, or do you want to cook them first?
Freezing Dried or Uncooked Kidney Beans
If you want to freeze dry or uncooked kidney beans, rinse them thoroughly beforehand. Dirt and debris should be removed from the beans to reduce the possibility of bacterial development. Essentially, the beans should be clean enough that they may be utilized immediately after being defrosted.
Sort through the beans once they’ve been cleaned. Remove any decaying beans or other debris that has remained after washing. When the beans are clean, wipe them down with paper towels or a clean washcloth to absorb any extra water and completely dry them. The kidney beans should then be placed in a big, hard plastic container with an airtight top. Leave a few inches of room in the container rather than filling it to the brim. Finally, seal the lid, write the label and storage date on it using a pen, and place it in the freezer.
Cooking Dried Kidney Beans Prior to Freezing
If you want to boil the cooked or dried beans before freezing them, start by rinsing them. Sort them and soak them in water overnight (for a lengthy soak) or for 2 to 6 hours (short soak). After soaking the beans, drain the liquid, thoroughly rinse the kidney beans, and then transfer the beans to a big saucepan. Boil for 30 minutes to 1 hour, then remove from the heat and set aside to cool to room temperature.
Please keep in mind that kidney beans take a long time to cook. Partially undercooked kidney beans will cause stomach upset, so make sure the beans are properly cooked.
Drain the cooking water from the cooked beans after they have totally cooled. Fill heavy-duty resealable plastic bags halfway with cooked kidney beans. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. Finally, write the label and storage dates on the plastic bags and place them in the freezer.
Freezing Leftover Cooked Kidney Beans/Tinned Kidney Beans
If you have extra kidney beans, just place them in a firm plastic container with an airtight top. Allow approximately an inch or two of space between the kidney beans and the liquids so that the liquids can expand as the kidney beans freeze. Close the lid, mark it with the storage date, and place it in the freezer.
How to Defrost and Reheat Frozen Kidney Beans?
Freezing leftover, cooked, or fresh kidney beans is an excellent strategy to extend their shelf life! Simply place the jar of frozen kidney beans in the refrigerator to thaw. Allow for a few hours for it to defrost. If you’re defrosting cooked or fresh kidney beans for cooking, simply dump them into the pot without thawing. To prevent the beans from splitting, boil them at the lowest possible temperature. Adding salt midway through the cooking process may also help to minimize splitting.
If you have cooked leftover beans, you may reheat them in the microwave. You may also reheat by simmering in a pan over low heat.
Summary
Do you enjoy eating kidney beans? Kidney beans are such a versatile food that you can never have too much of them. You can preserve a consistent store of kidney beans for future applications now that you know how to freeze them.
