How Long Do Beans & Peas Last?

Beans and peas are the mature forms of legumes. This category includes kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, lima beans, black-eyed peas, garbanzo beans (chickpeas), split peas, lentils and many other types of beans, peas and tofu. (For those wondering why tofu is stuck into this category, it's actually soy beans.) These items are available in dried, canned, fresh and frozen forms. These foods are excellent sources of plant protein, and also provide other nutrients such as iron and zinc. They are similar to meats, poultry, and fish in their contribution of these nutrients - yet they are not animals.

Therefore, these foods are considered part of the Protein Foods Group. However, they are also considered part of the Vegetable Group because they are excellent sources of dietary fiber and nutrients such as folate and potassium. These nutrients, which are often way too low in the diet of many Americans, are also found in other vegetables.

Most people consider beans and peas as vegetarian alternatives for meat. No matter the reason for eating this protein, you still want it to be stored safely and kept ready to eat for as long as possible. Check out our charts available from this menu for help with beans, peas and tofu.