keeping qualities of dried beans

[POINCIANA]

Anyone know how long dried pinto beans will last, if kept sealed in a glass jar? What would be the risk in eating very old beans?

[Clanad]

We buy pintos in 40 pound sacks and keep them in a cool, dry pantry for at least a year before they're all gone. Some neighbors had some for about three years and were still good. Seems the older they get the more cooking time is required for same quantity though...

[POINCIANA]

Thanks for that Clanad. We're having a new kitchen starting Monday and clearing out the old cupboards has brought all sorts of things to light!

[Scarlett]

Have a look next time you're in Tescos at the dried lentils and see the sell by date. That should give you some idea.

[marvinparvin]

They'll never go off - it's just that the older they are the longer they take to cook - pressure cooker recommended!