Bean storage - how long?

[nevets88]

I have some dried beans in bags I bought from a local grocer that's been in there for a least a year - at least. Are they safe to soak and cook? How long do dried beans store for? Chickpeas, lentil, blackeye, etc...

I did soak and cook and eat the chickpeas and I'm fine, so I am guessing beans can keep for awhile.

Thanks.

 

[Andy M.]

I'm not aware of a safety issue. If beans get old enough, they will not soften when cooked and will remain unpleasantly hard.

 

[Constance]

Dried beans keep indefinitely. Beans have been found in Anasazi ruins that were still viable.