Storage
Fresh bean pods should be stored in the fridge, preferably in their skin/ pod. This prevents the beans from drying out.

Store dried pulses in a cool, dry and dark place. This will keep them good for at least a year. After more than a year, the skin hardens a bit and you need a longer soaking and cooking time.

How do I know if dried brown beans are no longer good? The beans start to mould or germinate. You can quickly recognise this decay by looking carefully.

Store brown beans in glass in a dark place to avoid discolouration. Has the jar or can been opened? Then the beans will keep for a few days in the fridge.

Preparation
Do not eat brown beans raw. They naturally contain a toxic substance that becomes ineffective when cooked.

Remove fresh beans from the pod, wash them and cook them for about 15 minutes until tender.

You don't need to thaw frozen beans before cooking or stir-frying.

Brown beans in cans or glass need only be heated for a few minutes.

First soak dried brown beans in plenty of water for 8 - 12 hours. Then boil them in the soaking water for 1 - 2 hours. The soaking times depend on the age of the beans and can be checked by tasting. The older the beans, the longer the soaking time.

Storage times

Fresh pods
Refrigerator: 4 days

Dried beans
Cool place: 1 year

Canned/glass beans
Unopened: see best-before date
Opened: 2 days

Preparation times

Fresh pods
Cooking: 15 minutes

Canned/glass beans
Heating: a few minutes

Dried brown beans
Soaking: 8-12 hours
Cooking: 1-2 hours

Cleaning brown beans

See preparing.