How long do canned green beans last in the fridge?
In this article, we will answer the question “How long do canned green beans last in the fridge?”, and how to cook canned green beans?
How long do canned green beans last in the fridge?
Canned green beans last 3-4 days in the fridge after opening. Fresh or cooked green beans will stay good for 5-7 days in the fridge if stored correctly.
The printed date on the can of the green beans is just an estimation of how long the beans will remain at peak quality. An unopened can of beans will be safe past the printed date if the can does not show signs of spoilage.
The expiration dates of Beans
| Unopened | In the pantry | In the fridge | In the freezer |
| Past Printed Date | Past Printed Date | Past Printed Date | |
| Dried beans | Indefinite | — | — |
| Canned beans | 1 year | — | — |
| Fresh Green Beans | 1-2 days | 7-10 days | Cook first |
| Dried lentils | Indefinite | — | — |
| Opened | In the pantry | In the fridge | In the freezer |
| Canned beans | — | 5 days | — |
| Cooked beans | — | 5 days | 1 year |
| Beans sprouts | 1 day | 3-4 days | — |
| Hummus | — | 4-5 days | — |
How to store leftover canned beans?
Drain the can
Canned beans need to be removed from the can after opening it. An unopened can is difficult to seal properly which results in an altered flavor due to the metal leaching.
Besides, an opened can with a flimsy seal is more susceptible to drying out, spoilage, and picking unwanted odors. Therefore, get rid of the can and grab a shallow plastic or glass container instead.
Rinse ‘em all
Transfer the drained beans into a colander and hold it under cold running water. After rinsing thoroughly, let the beans sit in the colander for 10 minutes to drain the excess moisture.
Decide the storage time
If the beans are to be consumed within 24 hours, simply put them in an air-tight container and pop them in the fridge.
If you intend to store the beans for a few days, toss the beans with some olive oil before putting them in the storage container.
Rinse the beans to get rid of the oil before use if your recipe does not require the oil. If the beans are in for prolonged storage( more than 5 days), consider freezing them.
For this, transfer the beans to a freezer bag or a freezer-safe plastic tub. Fill the tub with fresh water. Thaw and rinse the beans before use.
How to cook canned green beans?
Ingredients
- 2 14.5 ounce cans of green beans of your choice canned in water
- 1 teaspoon beef bouillon base 1 cube beef bouillon would also work but watch the salt!
Instructions
- Add a can of green beans into a medium saucepan. Do not drain the can. Simmering the beans in the original liquid will infuse more flavor in the beans. Stir in the beef bouillon.
- Bring the water to a rolling boil. Then reduce the heat and cook the beans on medium heat until the liquid is reduced to ¾ of its initial volume.
- Turn off the flame and let the beans sit on the stovetop for 1-2 hours or refrigerate overnight.
- When you are ready to eat the beans, simmer the beans on medium heat until there is no water remaining. Serve warm and enjoy.
When to discard green beans?
If the liquid inside the can turns cloudy or white, discard the beans. Reject any cans if they are leaking, denting, rusting, or bulging.
In the case of fresh beans, firmness is the quality you should look for. If the fresh beans seem limp or rubbery, they’re done for.
How to make canned green beans taste better?
Simmering the green beans in broth, bouillon, or plus its original liquid brings a lot of flavors to the green beans. Instead of using any other regular cooking fat, opt for butter or olive oil.
Both of these fats have a distinct flavor of their own that imparts richness and complexity to the otherwise plain taste of green beans.
Similarly, using seasonings like garlic or onion powder also changes the flavor profile of the beans. Squeeze some lime juice on the beans for a citrusy kick before devouring them.
How to use canned green beans?
Canned green beans can be used to make casserole when you are in the mood to do something extra for holiday meals.
Similarly, green beans and bacon, green beans with onions, sauteed or fried garlic green beans, pan-seared canned green beans with cashews and garlic, green beans with garlic parmesan are all great ways to incorporate green beans into your meals.
Conclusion
In this article, we answered the question “How long do canned green beans last in the fridge?”, and how to cook canned green beans?
