Many vegan and vegetarian diets include chickpeas, also referred to as garbanzo beans, as the main food source. Additionally, they are finding their way into the meat-eating population’s meals.
Therefore, how should chickpeas be stored? The topic under discussion in this article is “How long are chickpeas good in the fridge?”, and how to store dried, roasted, and canned chickpeas.
Table of Contents
What Are Chickpeas?
Chickpeas are a legume of the plant family Fabaceae that are also known as garbanzo beans in more Latino-speaking regions.
This legume is raised for its seed, which is rich in protein and fiber. Chickpeas are the best food for a vegetarian or vegan diet because they contain these nutrients. Despite the fact that the beans can be red, green, black, or brown, they are all essentially the same. Due to its use in foods like hummus and falafel, brown chickpea is the most popular. The best place to purchase chickpeas is at any grocery store unless you intend to grow them yourself. There are numerous varieties of chickpeas available for purchase when you visit the store.
Dried Chickpeas
Since dried chickpeas are so tough and fragile, they must be rehydrated before use. The advantage of dried chickpeas is that they can be stored for up to a year without going bad. When you’re ready to use them, soak your chickpeas for 8 to 12 hours in a bowl of water. Additionally, it is advised to add one teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda to the water.
Once rehydrated, drain the chickpeas and place them in a saucepan with water. This needs to boil for an hour after that. The chickpeas can then be used in any way you choose following this.
Canned Chickpeas
Being pre-cooked and ready to use, canned chickpeas are without a doubt the least effort. It is best to rinse them off after opening the can because the brine used to preserve them can be extremely salty or oily. Other than this, they require very little preparation because they are available for use right away.
Roasted Chickpeas
As already mentioned, dried chickpeas can’t be enjoyed as a snack like peanuts. Thanks to roasted chickpeas, they can. It’s critical that you distinguish between the two because dried chickpeas might damage your teeth and aren’t particularly tasty. In many stores, you can buy roasted chickpeas for a reasonable price and they make a great vegan snack. They may be double roasted or roasted in a variety of flavors.
Before being roasted, these chickpeas were properly hydrated and cooked, making them a ready-to-eat snack. They might have received a light salted and olive oil drizzle prior to roasting.
How Long Are Chickpeas Good in The Fridge?
Your soaked chickpeas will keep for three to four days in the refrigerator if you store them in an airtight container.
Cooked chickpeas kept separately in the refrigerator will keep for two to three days, and when kept with their aquafaba, they will keep for the same amount of time.
How Long Can You Keep Chickpeas in The Freezer?
Chickpeas can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months, whether they are soaked or boiled. The period of time won’t change whether or not the boiled chickpeas were kept in their aquafaba. The chickpeas can be frozen and will remain delectably tasty for up to six months. They won’t lose their ability to be eaten after that, but their texture, flavor, and general quality will start to deteriorate.
What Symptoms Indicate Bad Chickpeas?
If you believe your chickpeas have gone bad, there are a number of signs to look for. Smelling them is the ideal method. You should throw them away if the smell seems off in any way. They must also be thrown away if there are any signs of insects or mold on them.
How Are Dried Chickpeas Prepared, Cooked, And Frozen?
Ingredients
- 2.2 pounds Dried chickpeas (or as much as you want)
Things You’ll Require
- Pot
- Spoon
- Reusable freezer-safe bags
Instructions
In Order To Soak The Chickpeas
- In a bowl, thoroughly wash the chickpeas. When the water becomes cloudy, swirl it around in the bowl and replace it.
- A minimum of eight hours should be spent soaking the chickpeas in cold, fresh water. The chickpeas will grow 2-3 times bigger if you soak them overnight.
- Empty the bowl into a colander after soaking it for 8 hours or all night.
To Cook The Chickpeas
- Chickpeas and water should be put in a pan. The amount of water should be sufficient to cover the chickpeas with an additional 2 to 3 inches of water.
- To a rolling boil, add the water. Cook the chickpeas with the lid on for 30 to 40 minutes on low heat.
- Utilizing a spoon, you can remove the foam that builds up on top. Oil can also be added to stop foaming.
- The water should be drained from the saucepan into a colander. In order to store the chickpeas, let them cool completely.
How Should Canned Chickpeas Be Kept?
Chickpeas that haven’t been opened should be stored in accordance with the directions on the can. In general, it can be left to rest in a cool, dark location away from heat sources like the stovetop and sunlight. Before using the chickpeas, check the can.
Cans with a protruding top, dents, rust, or leaks should be discarded. By keeping an eye on the printed date on the label, it is possible to estimate how long an unopened can of chickpeas will last.
The chickpeas should be moved from the can to an airtight container as soon as possible and kept in the refrigerator for 3–4 days after opening. As an alternative, wrap the can in aluminum foil and store it in the fridge for 3–4 days.
How Should Roasted Chickpeas Be Kept?
The crunch of roasted chickpeas is what sets them apart. Transfer the chickpeas to a container and keep them at room temperature with the lid slightly ajar to maintain their crunch.
The chickpeas’ crunchiness will be preserved using this storage method for 3–4 days. The roasted chickpeas can be kept in the fridge for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to two months if the length of storage worries you more than the crunchiness.
