Many people use kidney beans in their cooking because they are delicious, inexpensive, and packed full of nutrients. They are also available in cans or dried form so they are easy to store, transport, and cook with when needed.
Whichever form of beans you have, you will need to store them to keep them fresh. Would freezing kidney beans be an option for storage?
Yes, you can freeze kidney beans, whether they are canned, cooked, or dried. However, dried beans don’t need to be frozen as they will last much longer storing them in the pantry. For canned and cooked kidney beans, freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Storing them properly, the beans will last for up to 6 months in the freezer.
Does Kidney Beans Freeze Well?
Kidney beans freeze well. Kidney beans are a good choice for storing in the freezer because they have a low moisture content and they don’t spread out when they freeze.
In the process of freezing kidney beans, you will need to adjust the cooking time depending on how long you want them to last in your freezer. This is because kidney beans have a lower freezing point than most other dried beans.
How To Freeze Kidney Beans
If you want to preserve kidney beans for a longer period of time, blanch them before freezing them. This will help prevent the formation of ice crystals which are more likely to form when the ingredients are exposed directly to cold air after being frozen.
You can also freeze raw or pre-soaked beans so that they’ll be easier to prepare when needed.
To freeze kidney beans, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Allow to Cool Down
After the beans have been cooked, allow them to cool down to room temperature.
It’s important not to put the kidney beans in the freezer when they are still warm. Doing so will cause condensation in the freezer bag, which will damage the beans during freezing.
Step 2: Separate Into Portion Sizes
It’s recommended to split the beans into portion sizes. If you’re going to use a lot of the beans at once, freeze them in a large bag. Otherwise, portion the beans into small bags.
Step 3: Place Into Freezer Bags
Place the kidney beans into the freezer bags. Then press on the bag to remove as much excess air as you can before sealing.
Step 4: Label and Freeze
Write the date of freezing onto each freezer bag. Then place them into the freezer.
If you’re going to stack them on top of each other, let it freeze completely first before doing so.
How Long Can You Freeze Kidney Beans?
Freezing beans is a good way to preserve the flavor and nutrients in the product. However, its shelf life is limited.
Kidney beans can be stored in your freezer for 4-6 months.
After that time, the beans will start to deteriorate in quality. The texture and taste of it will be affected due to freezer burn.
However, kidney beans will still be safe to eat, but you may not enjoy eating them much.
How Do You Defrost Kidney Beans?
When defrosting kidney beans, the best option is to use cold water. It will save energy and time as it takes less time for the water to reach its coldest state.
To defrost kidney beans, submerge them in a large bowl of ice-cold water and leave them there for 2 hours before cooking.
Even though this is one of the most common ways to defrost kidney beans, not all people agree with this method as some prefer to use hot water as it takes less time to thaw out than ice-cold water.
Can You Refreeze Kidney Beans?
It will not be possible to refreeze kidney beans again if they have thawed completely. Freezing the beans more than once will affect the texture. The beans will become mushy after freezing and thawing them for the second time.
Other Questions about Kidney Beans
Can you freeze kidney bean curry?
Most people would probably answer the question with a straightforward ‘yes’. However, according to some expert opinions, you can freeze kidney bean curry. While it is not recommended that you freeze any other type of curry, it appears that this particular type of curry can indeed be frozen.
The reason kidney bean curries are different from any other curries is that they have a natural sweetness to them and they’re also less spicy than most curries. If you’re going to freeze your kidney bean curry, make sure you put it in an airtight container or in a freezer bag so that the moisture doesn’t escape and you don’t end up with a soggy mess when you thaw it out.
Can you freeze kidney beans in chili?
You should not freeze kidney beans in chili because they will not absorb water well and they’ll cause the chili to become too thick.