...black beans that you had opened a week ago and emptied into a plastic container and kept refrigerated? Should I consider them like anything else I would have cooked and stored in the fridge afterward?

I'm trying to figure out a less wasteful way of having my chicken & black bean burrito w/o ending up throwing away a whole can of black beans because I'm just one person. Do you think I could freeze rinsed black beans in single-serving containers??

While I'm at it, what about keeping cooked rice? About a week for that, too?

Thanks for your help.

Sheri,
You can definitely freeze the rice too. Actually if you wanted to make the burritos up and freeze them assembled, you could do that too. Or just freeze the rice and bean mixture together.

Peg

quote:

...But you can absolutely freeze the beans. I do it all the time. yes, the consistency changes slightly,...

And if the consistency/texture change bugs someone, they can be turned into refried beans.

quote:

Originally posted by Lori4squaremom:
One other option for you though is to get the smaller 8 oz cans. I know that Progresso sells the beans in the smaller cans....don't know of other brands, but I know that Progresso does.

I looked for smaller cans yesterday and couldn't find them, but will look again next time.

Last week's black beans and rice will go down the garbage disposal and I'll open another can if I want a burrito this week and then freeze the rest of the can in some smaller containers for future portions.

Thanks to everyone for their responses.

Sheri,

My experience with all beans, and rice and pasta is that after about 3-4 days in the fridge they aren't good anymore. But you can absolutely freeze the beans. I do it all the time. yes, the consistency changes slightly, but if you are just serving them to yourself and presentation isn't a huge deal, you can use them just as though you opeend the can. One other option for you though is to get the smaller 8 oz cans. I know that Progresso sells the beans in the smaller cans....don't know of other brands, but I know that Progresso does.

The rice will let you know if it's spoiled. It gets slimy on the bottom and starts to stink. Usually 4 - 5 days is all I would keep it. The beans I've frozen before even after they've been open for a couple of days. They do fine.

Cathy j

You can definitely freeze the black beans. I do it all the time. The consistency changes so frozen beans are best used in chili, soup or a spread.

As to how long they'll keep in plastic in the fridge, I really don't know. I tend to try to eat them within 3 days or so. Same on rice but I dont' think there is any scientific basis for my 3 day self imposed limit ; )