Expiration & Storage Tips
When does garbanzo beans expire?
Canned garbanzo beans can typically last up to 2-5 years past their printed date if they're kept sealed and stored in a cool, dry place. Once the can is opened, the beans should be good for about 2-3 days in the refrigerator. If you've bagged or bulk dry garbanzo beans, they'll remain fresh for up to 2-3 years if stored properly, but can be lastingly safe to consume almost indefinitely. Cooked garbanzo beans can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or frozen for up to 8 months.
How do you tell if garbanzo beans is bad?
With canned garbanzo beans, beware of any cans that are leaking, rusting, bulging, or have a sharp dent. On opening the can, discard the beans if there's an off odor, or if they appear darker or slimier than usual. For dry and bulk beans, make sure there's no sign of weevils or bugs. Cooked beans that are bad usually have a sour smell, slimy texture, or visible mold.
Tips for storing garbanzo beans to extend shelf life
• Always store canned beans in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
• For dry beans, an airtight container in a cool, dark place is ideal. Consider storing them in the freezer to extend their shelf life even further.
• Once you've opened a can of beans, or cooked your dry beans, transfer them to a sealed container in the refrigerator. Make sure to cover them with fresh water to keep them moist.
• If you plan to freeze cooked beans, pack them into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a headspace for expansion. Before using, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight or defrost at low heat in the microwave.