A food storage question???

**pollypurebred39** · 03-13-2011, 01:48 AM

I have some dried beans that I'd like to put into my stockpile. Should I freeze my beans first to kill off any insects prior to storage?

Thanks

**ladykemma2** · 03-13-2011, 05:28 AM

no. i use empty #10 cans with lids. they never get buggy.

**shoiji** · 03-13-2011, 11:08 AM

I have frozen beans when I feel like I should. Go ahead and freeze them. Then take them out. Let them defrost then store in a good airtight container. Might as well take the extra time to make sure you do not get bugs in your stockpile. I have yet to have any bug problem.

I also put a couple of bay leaves on the shelves. This is supposed to help keep bugs away. I do use mason jars to store many items. This probably helps.

**HappyMama** · 03-13-2011, 12:47 PM

No I never freeze my beans, I just store in gallon glass containers or 5 gallon buckets. If in small packages you can keep them in their original packages , then put into bucket.

**pollypurebred39** · 03-13-2011, 01:03 PM

Thanks for the advice. They are in their original bags. At this moment the best container I have is a tidy cats litter pail, it will have to do.

Do you think I should put a bay leaf in the bucket? Would it impart flavor to the beans?

**HappyMama** · 03-13-2011, 03:25 PM

Originally Posted by pollypurebred39

Thanks for the advice. They are in their original bags. At this moment the best container I have is a tidy cats litter pail, it will have to do.

Do you think I should put a bay leaf in the bucket? Would it impart flavor to the beans?

I don't think it would impart flavor though I don't for my beans. Never had a bug issue with them.

**frugrrl** · 03-13-2011, 08:49 PM

Originally Posted by pollypurebred39

Thanks for the advice. They are in their original bags. At this moment the best container I have is a tidy cats litter pail, it will have to do.

Do you think I should put a bay leaf in the bucket? Would it impart flavor to the beans?

I would worry more about the litter scent (if it's scented) than the bay leaf scent.

That said, I'm not sure a litter pail is food safe. Food Grade Plastic Containers For Brining - The Virtual Weber Bullet

I would err on the side of caution and not use it to store food.

Edited to add: These sites should help you find some solutions: http://providentliving.org/content/l...7448-1,00.html
http://athagan.members.atlantic.net/.../PFSFAQ-1.html

**Palooka** · 03-13-2011, 11:02 PM

I've never froze beans before. I store mine in sealed glass jars away from sunlight in the pantry.

**pollypurebred39** · 03-14-2011, 12:37 AM

frugrrl, Thank you for the links, I found them very useful. The cat litter imparting fragrance never crossed my mind. Turns out I didn't use the litter pail, but a 5 gallon bucket. I'll save the litter pail for a nonfood stockpile item.

Palooka, I've always used glass myself, but since I plan on storing a hundred plus pounds of white beans I thought a hundred plus jars would be a bit much. I could just see my MIL's face if she came into butlers pantry and was faced with a wall of beans in glass jars. LOL!