How long do Pinto Beans Last in the Fridge?

Rich in protein and fiber and offering multiple vitamins and minerals, Pinto Beans are an exceptional addition to any healthy diet. It is one of the most versatile food items on the earth. Homemakers integrate pinto beans into their dishes in different ways. It is the commonly found staple in many homes.

But how long do pinto beans last in the fridge? Cooked pinto beans tend to last for a varying time, depending on the storage conditions and methods. You can expect your pinto beans to last for 3-5 days in the fridge after cooking. The uncooked pinto beans need no refrigeration, and they can be stored in your kitchen pantry indefinitely.  

From storage conditions to shelf-life, there are other essential things that you must know, especially if you are a lover of pinto beans. So, please continue reading to explore the nitty-gritty of pinto beans and their storage, shelf-life, and spoilage signs.  

How Long do Pinto Beans Last in the Fridge? 

Pinto beans stay good and edible for 3-5 days in the fridge after cooking. So, it is suggested that you consume the cooked pinto beans within five days to avoid disappointment. The uncooked pinto beans last indefinitely in your kitchen pantry. You must ensure that they are stored properly in your pantry’s dry and cool places.  

The cooked pinto beans need refrigeration. So, after cooking the pinto beans, leave them at room temperature for 1-2 hours to cool down, and then transfer the beans into the fridge to keep them good and edible for another 4-5 days. Ensure that the cooked pinto beans are stored properly in the fridge. You must use an airtight container to store the cooked pinto beans in the fridge. It will prevent bacteria and moisture from leaking in and spoiling the beans.  

For uncooked pinto beans, you must keep them away from moisture, direct heat sources, and sunlight in the pantry. These major culprits make the uncooked pinto beans go bad quickly. So, ensure to store them in places away from heat sources, sunlight, and moisture.  

How to Store Pinto Beans Safely in the Fridge? 

Once you have finished cooking the pinto beans, consume them fresh. If you have some leftovers in the cooking pan, refrigerate them for another 4-5 days. However, you have to provide an ideal storage condition for the leftover pinto beans to stay edible and of peak quality, until you use them in your next meal within 4-5 days.  

So, here is a helpful guide on how to safely store the leftover pinto beans in the fridge. 

• To keep your leftover pinto beans fresh and edible for 4-5 days, you must store them in the fridge. You must allow the pinto beans to cool down after you finish cooking. You must not store the cooked pinto beans hot in the fridge. 
• Once the temperature of leftover pinto beans reduces, transfer them into an airtight container. Ensure that you use a glass or steel airtight container with a secured and tight lid. After transferring the pinto beans, secure the container with the lid.
• Put the container into the refrigerator and maintain a temperature below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, ideal for refrigerating the beans.  

You may drain the excess liquid from the beans after cooking or store them with it.  

How to Tell If Store Pinto Beans Have Gone Rancid? 

Uncooked pinto beans rarely go bad until they contact moisture, air, and heat sources. Cooked pinto beans go bad easily even when refrigerated continuously in the fridge at 40 degrees Fahrenheit and below.  

So, you must check the spoilage signs in the pinto beans stored in the fridge for more than 5 days. Below are some helpful tips that can help you know when your pinto beans have gone bad.

• Don’t panic if you can’t remember when you cooked the pinto beans. As the cooked pinto beans go bad, they release a sour smell. So, when you open the fridge, you can easily recognize that the stored pinto beans have gone bad due to the strong sour smell coming from the beans.
• The pinto beans that are more than five days old experience texture change. The spoiled pinto beans will turn slimy, indicating that the cooked pinto beans have gone bad. 
• The final spoilage sign to look for is moldy growth. As the cooked pinto beans go bad, the texture changes, and you will also see bacterial growth on the surface. When you notice a green, white or black spot on the surface of pinto beans, discard them as they have already spoiled with bacterial growth on them.  

 How Long Cooked Pinto Beans Last Outside a Fridge? 

Cooked pinto beans must be consumed immediately. Refrigerate them immediately if you have leftover pinto beans in the pan after cooking. As per USDA, one must not leave the cooked pinto beans outside the fridge for more than two hours. Pinto beans left outside for more than two hours or overnight must be discarded as there is a higher chance of bacterial growth in those pinto beans.  

Can You Freeze Cooked Pinto Beans? 

Yes, both uncooked and cooked pinto beans freeze well. You must drain the excess liquid from the cooked pinto beans and freeze them in the freezer-friendly bag. Freezing will help the beans sustain their peak quality and flavor for 2-3 months.  

Can You Get Sick After Eating Pinto Beans Store For More Than Five Days? 

Yes, there is a higher chance of developing food poisoning symptoms by consuming the pinto beans stored in the fridge for five days after cooking. It is suggested that you consume the pinto beans that are freshly cooked or within 4 days after cooking.  

Conclusion 

Since you know how long do pinto beans last in the fridge, you may now cook them excessively and refrigerate them for 4-5 days for later meals. However, use only a glass or steel airtight container with a secured lid to store the leftover pinto beans in the fridge.  

You must always look for the spoilage signs before using the pinto beans stored in the fridge for more than 4-5 days. Avoid using the stored pinto beans that exhibit spoilage signs or are more than five days old.