Storage time shown is for best quality only – after that, the dried lentils’ texture, color or flavor may change, but in most cases, they will still be safe to consume if they have been stored properly, the package is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage (see below).
One of the next things we wondered was; do lentils go bad?
It’s not an expiration date and has nothing to do with food safety. And when it comes to dry lentils (similar to dried beans ), they keep well for months or even years past that date, depending on storage conditions. Before you cook the lentils, sort through them to pick out any debris, and then rinse them to remove dirt.
Do lentils go bad or go bad?
If lentils smell unpleasant or taste bad, there’s no better option than discarding the rest. Cooked lentils and leftovers of canned lentils only stay fresh for a few days in the fridge. If usual signs of spoilage are spotted, such as off-smell, molds, unpleasant taste, you know what’s best to do.
How long do lentils last?
Dried lentils can last for as long as two to three years if stored properly in a cool, dark and dry location in your kitchen or pantry. Even after three years, you can safely eat them. Rather than expiration dates, lentils commonly have a “best if used by” date printed on the packaging.
You might be wondering “How long do lentils last at room temperature?”
Properly stored, dried lentils will generally stay at best quality for about 2 to 3 years at normal room temperature, although they will usually remain safe to use after that. To maximize the shelf life of dried lentils, keep the package tightly closed at all times.
Do lentils smell?
Lentils usually have a slight smell that shouldn’t be unpleasant. If you smell something sour or foul, it’s best to discard them, as well. Additionally, if you find bugs or insects in the bag, throw them away. Start by examining the outside of the can.
How do you know if lentils are cooked?
The food inside should look like, well, cooked lentils in salty water. That means no mold, off discolored parts, or funny smell. If it’s an old package, give the lentils a proper check when rinsing to be sure everything is okay. When it comes to leftovers, follow the advice I gave in the cooked lentils section.
What are lentils and how do you eat them?
In India, lentils are used to prepare dal, soup, and curry, and typically eaten with rice or Indian flatbread (roti). We can find both dry (or raw) and canned in the store . Or maybe you prefer to cook in bulk and store cooked lentils for coming dinners? No worries, we’ll address each one of them. Let’s start with dry lentils.
Can you eat lentils after the expiration date?
Even after three years, you can safely eat them. Rather than expiration dates, lentils commonly have a “best if used by” date printed on the packaging. This date does not refer to safety. It only means that the quality of the dried lentils may start to decrease after the printed date.
Do dried lentils change color when opened?
The color, texture and flavor changes, but they are still okay to consume. After you open a bag of dried lentils, keeping them in a sealed container or plastic bag optimizes their shelf life. Exposure to light can compromise the color of the lentils but does not affect their longevity.