Dried beans are part of every well-stocked pantry. Here are some basic cooking tips:
- If you buy fresh dried beans (beans under two years old), no soaking is needed prior to cooking.
- Soaking beans overnight will speed up the cooking time. No need to change the water — the soaking water now contains vitamins and flavor — don’t throw it out.
- One cup of dried beans makes about three cups of cooked beans. 1 lb. of beans yields 6 cups of beans.
- Do not add salt to the beans until after they are cooked to prevent the skins from splitting.
- Store dry beans in a cool place in a glass jar with a lid or other airtight container. They will be good for about two years. Older beans are still edible, but their quality and nutritional value will decline.
