How Long do Green Beans Last in the Fridge?

Green beans are seasonal vegetables available only for a couple of months. So, when they are available in the market, homemakers prefer stocking them to use later in their meals. If you also prefer stocking green beans for later meals in the fridge, you need to know how long do green beans last in the fridge! 

How Long do Green Beans Last in the Fridge? Green beans won’t last longer than five days in the fridge. Properly stored green beans last for 3-5 days in the fridge. But, you may use them for up to a week. If you want to store them longer, freeze them. For cooked green beans, the storage time is the same, and you can use them for up to a week when stored properly in the fridge.  

You must learn more before buying surplus green beans for later use. So, the post below compiles the important information that every bean lover must know. You will come across the storage conditions, requirements, and shelf-life of green beans in the fridge.   

How Long do Green Beans Last in the Fridge? 

Properly stored green beans last for 5-7 days in the fridge. The storage period is applicable for both cooked and raw versions of green beans. The shelf-life of dishes cooked with green beans depends on the ingredients used in preparing them.  

The key to prolonging the storage time of the green beans is storage requirements and conditions. If you store the green beans in the fridge without a container, they will start going bad quickly. The spoilage process also accelerates when you store the beans directly after washing them without draining the water.  

If you want to extend the shelf-life of the green beans in the fridge, you must store them in a plastic container or bag. It will help the beans stay fresh and edible for up to a week. If you see mushiness or brown spots on the green beans, discard them as they are no longer edible. 

How to Store Green Beans Safely in the Fridge? 

Fresh green beans must be refrigerated continuously, and the vegetable drawer in the fridge is the best place to store them. But, if you plan to use them the same day or a day after, you may leave them outside on the counter without refrigerating. Ensure that the green beans are away from direct heat sources and sunlight.  

You have to use the following storage tips for cooked green beans to prolong their shelf-life in the fridge. 

• You must not wash the green beans before refrigerating. The water droplets in the beans will accelerate the spoilage process, reducing the shelf-life even when stored in the fridge.
• Take a plastic bag or container and put the unwashed green beans into the container. 
• Put the plastic container or bag filled with green beans into the vegetable drawer of your fridge. 
• Set the temperature of the fridge below 40 degrees Fahrenheit    

You must avoid washing the green beans before putting them into the fridge. You must wash them before cooking and not before refrigerating. 

How to Tell When Your Green Beans Have Gone Bad? 

Even the green beans stored in the fridge can go bad, and there are a couple of ways to tell when your green beans have gone rancid and are no longer edible. When you doubt yourself, it is better to be safe than sorry. So, below are some helpful tips that can help you know when the green beans stored in the fridge have gone bad and are no longer safe for consumption. 

• Fresh green beans are firmer, and it snaps when you break the beans. If they turn bendy, limp, or mushy, the beans are old. But, it doesn’t mean that the green beans have gone bad. They are still edible, and you can use them for cooking, but you won’t enjoy the freshness and taste. 
• The spoiled green beans radiate off a smell when they go bad. A sour or off smell coming from the green beans means they have gone bad, indicating the onset of organic growth.
• Fresh green beans are vibrant green, and when it starts to fade or turn dark green or brown, it means the beans are no longer edible. You may toss them and use a fresh batch of green beans.
• The green beans tend to develop mold. When you see moldy growth with a slimy texture, discard the green beans as it is a good indicator that the beans have gone bad.    

How Long Fresh Green Beans Stay Good Outside a Fridge? 

Fresh green beans must be refrigerated continuously to prolong their shelf-life for up to a week. However, if you plan to use them the same day or the next day, it is safe to leave the beans on the counter outside the fridge. But, ensure the green beans are stored in places away from heat sources and sunlight. You must not leave the green beans on the counter for more than 48 hours.  

Can You Still Use Green Beans with Brown Spots? 

Yes, you can use them depending upon how brown the green beans are. If you see a couple of spots mixed in and the rest of the beans are vibrant green, you may still use them for cooking. However, you have to look for wilting steams and the outline of the seeds before using the green beans with brown spots. 

Can You Get Sick by Eating Old Green Beans Stored in the Fridge? 

You won’t experience any fatal infection after accidentally eating green beans that are no longer fresh. However, they may have moldy growth on the surface, and eating them raw can cause serious health issues. You may discard them without using them in cooking.  

Conclusion 

Now, as you know how long do green beans last in the fridge, you can bring home the seasonal vegetable to use for one week. Ensure to store them unwashed in the fridge and use a plastic bag or container to store them in the vegetable drawer.  

You must also look for the spoilage signs before using the old green beans stored in the fridge for more than a week. There is no harm in leaving the green beans on the counter, especially if you want to use them the same day or the next day. But refrigerate them if you want to use them within a week.