Can You Freeze Kidney Beans? How?

Here is the most comprehensive guide on how to freeze and store kidney beans. 

I have found these methods and tips to work splendidly. 

Let’s dive right into it. 

How to Freeze Kidney Beans?

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

If you haven’t decided on how you plan to use the kidney beans yet, you can freeze them using this method.

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Materials

• Kidney Beans

Tools

• Ziploc Bag or Freezer-Safe Air-Tight Container

Instructions

1. Wash and Dry: Clean the kidney beans thoroughly by washing them and then dry them. Make sure that there is little to no moisture left on the beans.
   
   
2. Portion: Divide the kidney beans into quantities that you would normally use in a recipe or can manage in one meal.
   
   
3. Pack and Seal: Pack the portioned kidney beans into a Ziploc bag or freezer-safe air-tight container. If you are using a Ziploc bag, make sure to squeeze out all the excess air before you seal them.
   
   
4. Label and Freeze: Add a label on the bag or container with the best before date, and you are all set to freeze the kidney beans.
   

Freezing Cooked Kidney Beans

This is the most recommended method of freezing kidney beans for the long term, and it also gets some food prep out of the way. 

Cook and Cool

Once you have cooked your kidney beans with the preferred method, let it cool down to room temperature.

Portion and Pack

Portion the kidney beans into quantities that you can easily consume in one meal or use in a recipe. Then pack them into a Ziploc bag or freezer-safe container.

Seal Them In

Seal the freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag. If you are using a Ziploc bag, make sure to squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing.

Label and Freeze

On the bag or container, add a label with the date and freeze the kidney beans for the long term.

Here is a tutorial by “frontporchlivingday2” on YouTube to see how it is done –

Freezing Kidney Beans with Sauce

Whether it is made in chili form or with some other sauce, you can follow this simple method to freeze them. 

Cook and Cool

After you have made your favorite kidney bean with sauce recipe, allow it to cool down to room temperature.

Portion and Pack

Portion the kidney beans with sauce into measures that you can easily manage to consume in one go. Then pack them into Ziploc bags or freezer-safe air-tight containers.

Seal Them In

Seal the freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag. If you are using a freezer-safe container, make sure to leave at least an inch space at the top to accommodate any expansion upon freezing.

If you are using Ziploc bags, try to make it as air-tight as possible and squeeze out the excess air, before sealing.

Label and Freeze

Add a label on the bag with the best before date, and you are good to go.

How Long Can You Freeze Kidney Beans?

You can freeze kidney beans for up to 6 months, and sometimes even longer.

But as in the case of any food, it is best to use it up sooner rather than later as it deteriorates in texture and quality over time.

If you wish to freeze the kidney beans for long, extra care needs to be taken while you prepare them.

While washing and cooking, try and take your time with the process and make sure that no dirt or spoiled bean is left in the mix. This can affect the quality of frozen kidney beans.

How to Store Frozen Kidney Beans?

You can store frozen kidney beans in Ziploc bags or freezer-safe air-tight containers. You could even freeze them in Mason jars.

The important thing is that the kidney beans are thoroughly protected from being exposed to air or freezer burns.

The choice between the storage types depends entirely on how much space you have to spare in the freezer.

If you are running low on freezer space, the Ziploc bags are your best bet. You can flatten them out and stack the bags on top of each other storing even big batches compactly.

How to Defrost Kidney Beans?

The best way to defrost frozen kidney beans is to leave the portion you need in the freezer for a couple of hours or even overnight.

Allowing it to thaw gradually will remove the chances of change in texture or taste.

If you are in a hurry, you could also heat them in the microwave or on the stovetop. Once they are reheated you can use them right away in any recipe of your choice.

It is best recommended to use this method if you have frozen kidney beans with sauce.

When you cook with frozen beans, try not to cook them on high heat as they can split easily. You could add salt, mid-way through cooking, to help stop the splitting.

Can You Refreeze Kidney Beans?

Yes, you can refreeze kidney beans, even if you have cooked them from their frozen state.

But keep in mind that repeated freezing will worsen the condition of the kidney beans, changing their texture and taste.

But you shouldn’t refreeze kidney beans if it has been left out in the open for more than a couple of hours after it defrosted.

There are high chances of it having a bacterial build-up, and it might be unsafe to eat.

Do Kidney Beans Freeze Well?

Yes, kidney beans freeze well and can last in the freezer for a long while with little to no change in their quality.

Even after its 6-month mark, it is still safe to eat, although there may be slight changes in taste and texture.

Of the different options, freezing plain cooked kidney beans is the most recommended as it lasts longer and changes the least over time.

FAQs

Bottom Line 

I hope this article helped you freeze and store kidney beans for the long term. 

If you have any doubts or would like to share some freezing tips of your own, it would be lovely to hear from you. 

Feel free to share this article with your friends and family to help them with their meal prep.