When it comes to stocking up the kitchen pantry, many homemakers prefer having canned beans on the list. They are easy to cook and great non-perishable items with a long shelf-life. But, it doesn’t mean that the canned beans don’t go bad. They come with a shelf life, and you need to know how long canned beans last in the fridge.
How Long do Canned Beans Last in the Fridge? Almost all food items come with an expiration date, and canned beans are no exception. The opened can of beans last for 3-4 days in the fridge. It needs to be refrigerated immediately after opening to sustain its peak quality and taste. However, the unopened can of beans has an indefinite shelf-life. They can last for months and years or up to the printed use-by date. It needs no refrigeration and can sit in the kitchen pantry for months.
If you regularly use canned beans, the guide would be helpful for you as it shares exclusive details on storing canned beans in the fridge and their shelf-life.
Table of Contents
- 1 How Long do Canned Beans Last in the Fridge?
- 2 How to Store Canned Beans Safely in the Fridge?
- 3 How to Tell If Your Canned Beans Have Gone Bad?
- 4 How Long Canned Beans Last Outside the Fridge?
- 5 How Long Canned Beans Lasts in the Fridge After Use-By Date?
- 6 Can You Freeze Canned Beans?
- 7 Conclusion
How Long do Canned Beans Last in the Fridge?
Canned beans are available in brine or saltwater, and it acts as a preservative to extend the shelf-life of the beans. However, the shelf-life reduces after opening, and it needs continuous refrigeration. As you open the can, the clock tickles, and the content degrades gradually. The shelf-life of canned beans in the fridge is 3-4 days after opening.
Many homemakers prefer storing the canned beans in the original can. But, USDA suggests transferring the leftover canned beans into an airtight glass container before refrigerating. Beans are low in acid content, making them highly perishable from the canned beans with brine. So, you may prefer storing the beans in the brine or discarding the liquid before refrigerating.
Besides, you may drain the brine and rinse the beans underwater to reduce the bean’s sodium content by 40%. But, don’t rinse them thoroughly as you may allow the beans to hold some of the brine for a longer shelf-life.
For unopened canned beans, the shelf-life is longer. They come with a printed use-by date, and it must not be considered the expiry date of the beans. When stored properly and unopened, the beans tend to last longer for 2-5 years. It must be stored in the kitchen pantry away from the direct heat sources, sunlight, and moisture.
How to Store Canned Beans Safely in the Fridge?
Canned beans sit well in the fridge for 3-5 days after opening. But, there are specific guidelines for storing the opened beans, and it will help prolong the shelf-life and sustain the peak quality of the canned beans.
If you have leftover canned beans, apply the below tips to store them safely in the fridge and reuse them for a couple of days.
- The leftover canned beans must be refrigerated immediately after opening. It must not be allowed to sit at room temperature for more than one hour as it may contaminate, and bacteria may grow quickly to spoil the content. So, transfer the beans into a glass or plastic airtight container for storage.
- Avoid storing the canned beans in the original can; instead, transfer them into an airtight container with a secured lid. If you have cooked canned beans, allow them to cool down for hours before transferring them into the container.
- Seal the container with the lid. But, ensure to cover the container with aluminum foil or wrap before securing the lid. It will ensure no moisture or bacteria leaks in to spoil the beans.
- Place the container into the fridge and ensure to store it at a temperature below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to Tell If Your Canned Beans Have Gone Bad?
Regardless of the storage conditions and temperature, the leftover canned beans will go bad, especially if stored inaptly. The spoilage signs won’t be clear at first glance. So, you have to check personally to know if your canned beans have gone bad or if they are still edible.
- Look at the canned beans closely to check for any moldy growth on the surface. The spoiled beans will get gooey with sludgy white substances or liquid on the surface. If you notice any such signs, discard the canned beans immediately.
- Secondly, you have to taste the canned beans stored in the fridge before cooking them. If the taste seems okay to you, it is good to eat. If you notice a sour taste, the beans have gone bad.
- Thirdly, visually test the canned beans and take a sniff test. The spoiled beans will radiate a sour and unpleasant smell. If you notice any such sign, don’t consume the canned beans.
How Long Canned Beans Last Outside the Fridge?
Canned beans, after opening, need continuous refrigeration, and they won’t sit outside a fridge longer. If you accidentally left the opened can of beans outside the fridge for more than 1-2 hours, discard them as they are no longer edible. So, always put the opened can of beans in the fridge immediately after opening.
How Long Canned Beans Lasts in the Fridge After Use-By Date?
Canned beans last indefinitely, and they will last for months and years in your kitchen pantry without refrigeration. However, after opening the can, refrigerate the leftover canned beans. The canned beans only last for 3-5 days after opening, and unopened can lasts indefinitely. You can use it for a couple of years past its use-by date, provided that it is stored properly without bulging and leaking.
Can You Freeze Canned Beans?
Yes, you can freeze the leftover canned beans if you are not planning to consume them within 3-5 days. Frozen, canned beans sustain their peak quality for 1-2 months. The freezing methods are the same as you have to transfer them into an airtight container to freeze for 1-2 months.
Conclusion
As you know now, how long do canned beans last in the fridge? You can bring home a couple of canned beans whenever needed without worrying about the storage needs of leftover beans. You can refrigerate the leftover canned beans and use them for 3-5 days extra.
However, you must check the spoilage signs before using the canned beans stored in the fridge for more than five days. Don’t consume them if you see any spoilage signs, as they may cause negative effects on your wellbeing.