Expiration & Storage Tips
When does pinto beans expire?
Unopened pinto beans have a shelf life of 2-3 years provided they are stored in a cool, dry location. They're definitely okay to consume past the printed date on the package as long as they’ve been stored appropriately. Once opened, their shelf life reduces to about 1 year. If you cook your pinto beans, leftovers should be refrigerated and consumed within 3-4 days for safety. Freezing cooked pinto beans can extend their life up to 6 months.
How do you tell if pinto beans is bad?
If your pinto beans give off a noticeably strong and sour smell, it’s a clear sign they’ve gone bad. In addition, if you notice any discoloration, mold, or rot, toss them out immediately. For cooked pinto beans, if you see a change in color or texture, or note a strange smell, it's better to err on the side of caution and discard them.
Tips for storing pinto beans to extend shelf life
• Store the unopened beans in a cool, dry place. A pantry or kitchen cupboard away from the stove, sink, and any heat or steam-spewing appliances is ideal.
• Once you've opened your pinto beans, be sure to keep them in an air-tight container in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving the container open to prevent moisture and other contaminants from spoiling the beans.
• If you’ve cooked pinto beans, store the leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. Try to consume them within 3-4 days.
• If you choose to freeze your cooked pinto beans, let them cool before transferring them into airtight freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Be sure to leave a bit of space at the top as beans expand as they freeze.
• To defrost frozen pinto beans, transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator and let them thaw for several hours or overnight. If you're in a rush, you can defrost them in a microwave using the 'defrost' function.