Freezing Grt. Northern beans?

[Barb L.]

Can you freeze beans after they have been soaked overnight ? I have way too many- forgot how they swell -- filled my pot and there's not much room for anything else !

 

[Lizannd]

I know you can freeze them after they are cooked

but I'm don't think freezing them soaked and raw would work. Can you just cook them separately and then freeze?

 

[Barb L.]

but I'm don't think freezing them soaked and raw would work. Can you just cook them separately and then freeze?

Yes I can using two pots ! I have never soaked 2 lbs. before- alot of beans here. lol Thanks for you suggestion ! I just wanted to bag some up and freeze-

 

[ChefJune]

Freezing the beans doesn't sound like a good idea to me, but I don't know a thing about the science --AND, I'm not where my "Cookwise" is right now.

If you have that book, I'd consult it before proceeding... or do you have the Harold McGee, On Food and Cooking?"

I tried to find a web site for Shirley Corriher, but all I found was this link: http://www.iceculinary.com/news/article_21.shtml

 

[Constance]

Barb, sounds like you need to get a larger pot!

 

[Robo410]

cook them with ham or soup bones and herbs etc...cool and freeze. Then use in your next soup stew or baked bean dish. Beans freeze fine.

 

[Andy M.]

I have frozen cooked beans as well. They defrost well with no loss of texture.

 

[Barb L.]

The Beans are cooking-- in two pots ! Going to freeze one for baked beans! Thanks all for your input !

 

[Katie H]

Barb I've never frozed beans that have only been soaked but I've frozen all types of cooked beans. I've never had a problem with taste or texture when I've thawed them. In fact, one of our favorite baked bean recipes makes a lot, so I freeze in manageable portions. Freeze on, girl!

 

[Gretchen]

Two pounds IS a lot. And yes, you need a larger pot.
I think freezing them after just soaking will make them turn to puree when thawed and cooked, but I have no personal experience.
Do you have a pressure cooker? You could cook two batches real quick.

 

[kitchenelf]

Two pounds IS a lot. And yes, you need a larger pot.
I think freezing them after just soaking will make them turn to puree when thawed and cooked, but I have no personal experience.
Do you have a pressure cooker? You could cook two batches real quick.

I think her beans have been cooking since about 11:15 best I can tell from her post above. She intends to cook them and freeze part for baked beans.

 

[Gretchen]

Yep, in two pots. Good enough. But as I have posted elsewhere, I am LOVING my PC--two batches-30 minutes each. Just an FYI in general.

 

[Aurora]

Soaked beans will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week. You need not cook all the beans at one time. I'd make a batch now and make another batch using a different recipe in a few days. I'd be very concerned that freezing soaked beans will break the cell walls down and make the beans very mushy when thawed and cooked. I like texture to my beans.

 

[kitchenelf]

Soaked beans will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week. You need not cook all the beans at one time. I'd make a batch now and make another batch using a different recipe in a few days. I'd be very concerned that freezing soaked beans will break the cell walls down and make the beans very mushy when thawed and cooked. I like texture to my beans.

She is going to freeze once cooked as they are already cooking. There's frozen beans of all kinds in the freezer section. I wonder how those manufacturers do it....or if certain beans are more easily frozen than others?

ok - check out this site.

 

[Aurora]

KitchenElf,

Wonderful link reference to Central Bean. I love beans and this site answers many questions I've had about them that despite cooking and enjoying them for years.

Thanks.

 

[lfoster3313]

Ham & Bean Soup

Can I freeze Ham & Bean Soup in a vacuum sealed bag and will the end result be a disaster. Will the beans become mush and not worth ever freezing.

 

[Dawgluver]

Bean soup freezes wonderfully! Should not be a problem.

Welcome to DC!