How to properly store beans for the winter at home
Many people are interested in how to properly store beans. So that pests do not start in the product, other problems do not appear, it is important to properly harvest the crop and carry out the necessary preparatory work. Compliance with temperature, humidity and lighting parameters is not negligible. To store legumes, you can use different containers - textile bags, glass jars, wooden boxes or cardboard boxes.
Features of bean storage
First of all, it is recommended to choose the right container and the right storage room. Dried grains should be placed in a container that seals tightly. Glass jars are perfect for this. It is also permitted to use plastic containers or bags. Store legumes in a dark, cool place. It is desirable that the temperature does not exceed +10 degrees. In this case, the humidity indicator should be 50%.
To protect the product from insects, it must be placed in the freezer.In winter, it is allowed to move the beans to the balcony or terrace. Even with prolonged exposure to low temperatures, legumes retain their taste and useful elements.
When storing beans in a canvas bag, it's worth doing some preparatory work. For this, the grains must be placed in a saline solution and dried. This will help to avoid the influence of bugs on the product.
Pantries, sheds or cellars are considered excellent options for storing a product. In this case, compliance with an appropriate temperature regime is of great importance. It is allowed to use a loggia or basement as a temporary storage for beans.
It should be borne in mind that in such rooms it is difficult to maintain a stable temperature and humidity.
Leguminous
Fresh green beans cannot be stored for more than 2 days. This is due to the rapid loss of moisture. In this case, it is best to store the beans in the refrigerator. It is recommended to wrap the pods in polythene and put them in the vegetable drawer. In this case, the temperature regime should be +2 degrees, and the humidity should be 80-90%.
asparagus
If the pods have already been pulled off, they should be immersed in boiling water for a minute, then transferred to the freezer and used as needed. Blanching avoids the transformation of sugar into starch. Thanks to this, asparagus beans will retain their delicate sweet taste.
Optimal storage conditions
To store beans as long as possible, it is worth choosing the right conditions for this product.
Temperature
The shelf life directly depends on the temperature. The optimal parameters are + 5-10 degrees.
Humidity
To avoid the appearance of mold on the surface of the grains, the moisture content should not exceed 50%. Otherwise, the product will lose its market value and acquire a bad smell.
Lighting
It is recommended to store the beans in a dry and dark place. It is best to place the product in a kitchen cabinet or case.It should be located as far as possible from the stove.
pest control
To avoid damage to the grains by harmful insects, they must be folded in a glass container or a textile bag. In addition to beans, you should put dill or garlic seeds in it.
How to prepare for storage
Harvesting beans is recommended in pods. In this form, it must be left to dry for 2 weeks. As a result, the pods turn yellow and open slightly, and the grains acquire a hard consistency. The next step is to clean the dried beans from the beans. After that, it is recommended to bake them in an oven heated to 60 degrees. It should be done in half an hour. Beans should be placed on a baking sheet in 1 layer. This procedure will help fight insect larvae.
It is important to bear in mind that it is forbidden to use such beans as planting material.
If you plan to use legumes for planting, place them in the freezer after harvest. Thanks to this, it is possible to destroy pests and maintain germination.
Methods of storage for the winter
There are many ways to store beans. This allows everyone to choose the best option.
In a canvas bag
The best way to store beans is to use a canvas bag.Provided the beans are properly prepared, the shelf life of the product is 2-3 years.
In a sealed glass container
It is allowed to store the grains in a glass container. It is important that it seal tightly. This method of storage will help preserve the characteristics of the product for 4-6 years.
boxes
Cardboard boxes are a good option for storing beans. To prevent the active breeding of insects, it is allowed to use printing ink. To do this, cover the storage container with newspapers. It is important to keep in mind that this method is considered less reliable.
wooden boxes
Wooden crates are an excellent option to preserve the characteristics of the beans. At the same time, they should also be covered with newspapers. Thanks to this simple measure, it will be possible to avoid the active development of dangerous insects.
Reheat Commercial Cereals
To prevent the spread of pests, it is recommended to warm the grains. It can be done in the oven. For the procedure, the beans should be laid out on a baking sheet in 1 layer and placed in an oven heated to 90 degrees. The duration of the procedure should be 3-5 minutes.
When the beans have cooled, they can be poured into clean glass jars. It is recommended to tightly close the containers. To extend the shelf life, place a little garlic in the bottom of the dish. This will protect the beans from the development of pests.
Canning
Canning is considered an excellent method of storing beans. To do this, you can use simple and affordable recipes. For 1 kilogram of beans, it is worth taking 250 millimeters of sunflower oil. Initially, it is recommended to soak the beans for 12 hours.Then drain the water and boil the product until soft. Chop onions and carrots, simmer and add boiled beans. Simmer everything for 10 minutes. Then add spices - salt, pepper, cloves. After 2 minutes you can remove the piece from the stove. It must be poured into sterilized jars, rolled up, turned over and wrapped.
How to Freeze Properly
If there is a spacious freezer, then the issue of storing the crop is not worth it. All types of grains perfectly retain their characteristics even in conditions of exposure to negative temperatures. To freeze beans, you need clean, dry beans. It is best to freeze them in portions. To do this, the beans must be placed in plastic bags or containers. This storage method is very convenient. In addition, it completely eliminates the risk of breeding dangerous insects.
Common Mistakes
Many people make common mistakes when storing beans:
- the beans are not sufficiently dried by storing the wet beans;
- store beans in rooms with high humidity;
- violate the temperature regime;
- the rules for preparing the beans for storage are neglected.
Additional tips and tricks
Beans can be stored using different methods. It can be done in glass containers, refrigerator, freezer. Beans can be canned or stored at room temperature. Whichever technique is chosen, certain recommendations should be followed:
- Be sure to dry the beans before storing them. For this, the grains should be put on a baking sheet and taken out to the balcony.It is important that the beans are exposed to direct sunlight. Beans should be stored in boxes or boxes overnight. In the morning, the manipulation should be repeated. You can also use another method to dry the beans. To do this, it is recommended to collect it in brooms and hang it in a well-ventilated place.
- It is recommended to choose only fully ripened beans for storage. Its pods should be dry and the valves should be ajar. The beans themselves should be firm.
- Before storing legumes for storage, you should definitely sort them. It is recommended to remove all damaged grains. Otherwise, there is a risk of contamination of the entire culture.
Storing beans is a complex and responsible process. To keep the beans fresh as long as possible, the necessary preparatory procedures should be carried out. Strict compliance with humidity and temperature parameters is not negligible.