Cooked beans last three to five days in the refrigerator. To avoid unsafe bacteria, cover and refrigerate at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit soon after cooking. You can also freeze them for up to eight months.
When to Refrigerate
You should refrigerate most foods within two hours of cooking. Cooked beans and other legumes, however, are more likely to allow harmful bacteria to multiply and should be refrigerated as soon as possible. It's best to refrigerate them within one hour.
Choosing a Storage Container or Wrap
Store cooked beans in a sealed container or covered in heavy-duty plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator.
Adding Salt to Extend Shelf Life
Seasoning cooked beans with salt can prolong their shelf life in the refrigerator to about one week. Salt acts as a natural preservative, making food last longer.
Writer Bio
Miranda Martin began writing professionally in 2004. She has contributed to the online magazines Writer 2.0 and SMITH, where she edited the "Memoirville" section. She is pursuing a Master of Arts in publishing and writing from Emerson College.