I've been growing and storing dried kidney beans, but I ran into a problem with some of them going moldy. I thought I dried them out well before bagging, but it didn't seem to help. How do you properly store dried beans to prevent mold? Any tips would be great!
4 Answers
I had a similar issue before! Now, I store my beans in airtight glass Ball jars. It keeps the moisture out really well. If I want to make my own desiccant, I just put rice in a paper packet and seal it with tape. Works like a charm!
I bring mine inside to dry on racks for about 4-8 weeks before I shell and store them. I faced mold issues my first year, but since I started drying them indoors, there's been no problem. I also use open glass jars to help with any leftover moisture.
Have you tried adding desiccant packs to your storage? They really help absorb moisture. Just toss a couple in with your dried beans to keep them mold-free.
If you want to be super sure they're not going to mold, make sure your beans are completely dry inside, not just on the surface. You can test that by smashing a bean with a hammer. If it shatters, it's dry enough! Also, storing them in a cooler place like your fridge can help avoid moisture.
That's a clever idea! I'm definitely going to try making my own desiccant packets.