How long do cooked lentils last in the fridge?
Lentils are very easy to cook and they don’t take too long, but if there’s any way to reduce your time and energy spent in the kitchen, it’s a smart idea. Batch cooking lentils or at the very least saving any leftovers for quick meals in your future is a great idea.
How long do cooked lentils last? If they’re properly stored in your fridge your cooked lentils will last for 3–5 days on average, and no more than a week. If you freeze your cooked lentils, they’ll retain their best quality for about 6 months before they start to lose their flavor and texture rapidly.
In the rest of this article, we’ll outline the best practices for properly storing cooked lentils to get the most out of their lifespan.
How long do cooked lentils last in the fridge?
Cooked lentils last a maximum of 1 week and a minimum of 3-5 days in the fridge If stored correctly. The following table shows an estimated shelf-life of lentils under different storage conditions.
Dry storage 1 year from the date the package is opened Cooked and refrigerated 3–5 days on average, 1-week maximum Cooked and frozen 6+ months
How to store cooked lentils?
Refrigerate or freeze cooked lentils within 2 hours of cooking. Let the lentils reach room temperature before packing away or else the steam buildup will lead to spoilage.
Use a shallow air-tight container or freezer bag to store cooked lentils. To minimize air exposure especially If there are a lot of unexpected headspaces in the container, pack the lentils with a sheet of plastic on top. Similarly, squeeze as much air as possible from the freezer bag before freezing.
How long will lentil soup last in the fridge?
Lentils, on their own, have a shelf-life of 1 week in the fridge. But the shelf-life of lentil soup depends upon the most perishable ingredients in the soup other than the lentils. To be on the safe side, do not keep the lentil soup for more than 3-4 days in the fridge.
How long do canned lentils last in the fridge?
An unopened can of lentils has an indefinite shelf-life provided that you follow the storage instructions carefully. Generally, canned lentils do not require refrigeration.
They can sit in a dry, dark, and cool place with a stable temperature as long as the can is unopened. After opening the can, the lentils must be kept in the fridge just like the cooked lentils. It will preserve the lentils for about a week at maximum.
Can you freeze cooked lentils?
Yes, you can freeze cooked lentils. Freezing will extend the shelf-life of cooked lentils. It works best if the lentils are to be pureed after thawing since the texture becomes somewhat mushy.
Pro tip: Leave the lentils slightly undercooked If they are to be frozen. This will prevent the lentils from becoming mushy after thawing and reheating.
How to freeze cooked lentils?
This method of freezing is particularly helpful if the lentils are to be consumed whole after thawing. Follow the steps below:
Spread the cooked, drained, and cooled lentils in a single layer onto a baking tray lined with baking paper.
Slide the tray into the freezer. Pre-freeze the lentils for 1-2 hours. Pre-freezing is not needed if the lentils are to be pureed after thawing.
Empty the tray into a freezer bag with a tight seal. Remove as much air as possible from the bag and label it before chucking it into the freezer.
Can you freeze canned lentils?
Unopened cans should not be frozen. Freezing will result in the expansion of the liquid inside the cans, forcing the cans to explore. Once opened, canned lentils can be frozen the same way as cooked lentils
Do dried lentils go bad?
Degraded quality and vitamin content are common with old lentils. But dry lentils rarely go bad unless you help it.
Insect infestation: If you notice insects in the package of lentils, whether one or two, dead or alive, it is better to discard these lentils.
Off-putting smell: The funny smell comes from the growth of molds in the lentils. But rancidity also makes the lentils smell bad. In either case, It is best to discard the lentils.
Mold: Mold is an obvious spoilage sign and moldy lentils should be thrown away without any second thoughts. Mold growth indicates that the lentils were exposed to moisture.
How to store dry lentils?
Dry lentils will last years past their printed date if kept quality. However, old lentils will have a poor nutritional profile.
The best-by date printed on the label is an estimate for how long the manufacturer thinks that the lentils will remain in their peak quality. These dates are very strict to protect the company from any legal trials in case of food safety issues.
The best way to store dried lentils is to keep them in a cool, dry, and dark place away from heat sources and bugs. A kitchen cabinet or a pantry is a good storage place.
If the original package is not resealable, consider transferring the lentils to an air-tight container or a freezer bag after tearing open the original package.
I’m sure you’ve seen those little packets of pre-cooked lentils at the supermarket.
Do you think they’ll keep for weeks in the fridge?
There’s no doubt that these are convenient but there’s also no denying that they don’t last very long.
In fact, they only last around five days if stored properly.
In this blog post, I’m going to explain you how to store lentils in the fridge and how long they should last.
Pro tip:
Lentils are a great source of protein, fiber, iron, zinc, magnesium, folate, and potassium. Lentils are also low in fat and cholesterol. They are easy to cook and store well.
How to store cooked lentils?
Cooked lentils can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for about 5 days.
How to freeze cooked lentils?
Lentils can be frozen for up to 6 months. To freeze, place the cooked lentils into freezer bags and freeze for up to six months. Can I reheat frozen cooked lentils?
Can you freeze cooked lentils?
Yes, you can reheat frozen cooked lentil. Simply thaw the frozen lentils in the refrigerator overnight. Drain any excess liquid from the lentils and transfer them to a saucepan. Add enough water to cover the lentils by about 1 inch 2.5 cm. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat. Reduce the heat to low and let the lentils simmer until heated through, about 10 minutes. Serve immediately.
How long will lentil soup last in the fridge?
Lentil soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To store longer, freeze the soup in individual portions in freezer bags.
Other FAQs about Lentils which you may be interested in.
Lentils are legumes that belong to the pea family. They are usually greenish yellow in color and are available dried or canned. They are used in soups, stews, salads, casseroles, curries, and other dishes.
Do dried lentils go bad?
Yes, they do. But not until after two years. So if you buy them from a store, check the expiration date. How long does it take to cook dry lentils? Answer: It takes 20 minutes to cook dry lentils.
Insect infestation:
You can remove the insects by using insecticide spray. How to clean a rice cooker? Answer: To clean a rice cooker, wash it thoroughly with hot water and soap. Then rinse it well with cold water. Dry it completely.
How to store dry lentils?
Store dry lentils in airtight containers in a cool place. How to store dried beans? Answer: Store dried beans in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
How long do canned lentils last in the fridge?
Canned lentils can be stored in the refrigerator for about 6 months. How to store dry beans? Answer: Dry beans can be stored in airtight containers in an unheated pantry for several years.
How long do cooked lentils last in the fridge?
Canned lentils can stay in the refrigerator for six months. How long does dried lentils last in the pantry? Answer: Dried lentils can be stored for up to two years in the pantry.
Can you freeze canned lentils?
Yes, you can store them in the freezer for up to three months. What is the shelf life of dried lentils? Answer : Lentils can be stored for about five years if stored in airtight containers.
Off-putting smell:
Lentils have a strong odor. This is because of the presence of sulfur compounds. These compounds give lentils a characteristic aroma. To remove the off-putting smell from lentils, soak them in hot water for half an hour. Then drain them well and dry them thoroughly. How long does it take to cook lentils?
Mold:
To prevent mold growth, wash the lentils after soaking them in water. Keep them covered with a damp cloth until they are cooked.
How long do refrigerated cooked lentils last?
Lentils are a good source of protein, fiber, iron, folate, calcium, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, manganese, vitamin B6, niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, biotin, and vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and P. Lentils are also rich in dietary fiber, which helps reduce cholesterol levels.
What happens if you eat old lentils?
If you notice any discoloration, mold, or smell, throw away the lentils immediately. It is important to store lentils properly because they spoil quickly. Refrigerate them after opening. Store them in airtight containers in a cool place. Do not put them in plastic bags. Keep them away from moisture and sunlight.
How long are refrigerated lentils good for?
Lentils are a good source of fiber and protein. Lentils are available in different colors such as red, green, yellow, black, and brown. Red lentils are the most common type of lentil used in Indian dishes. Brown lentils are usually found in soups and stews. Green and yellow lentils are used in salads. Black lentils are used in curries. White lentils are used in breads and other baked goods.
How long does it take for cooked lentils to go bad?
Cooked lentils are safe to eat after three days if stored properly. Refrigerate cooked lentils in airtight containers. Do not freeze lentils because freezing damages the protein structure. What happens to lentils when they get old?
How do I know if my lentils are bad?
Lentils are stored in the refrigerator for up to six months. After opening, lentils lose moisture and flavor. To preserve their quality, store them in a cool, dark place.
Do refrigerated lentils go bad?
Refrigeration does not affect the quality of lentils. Refrigerated lentils stay good for about 6 months. Once lentils are open, they begin to lose moisture and flavor. It is recommended that you store lentils in a cool dry place.
Can you eat out of date lentils?
Lentils are a great source of protein, fiber, iron, zinc, magnesium, folate, and potassium. Lentils are also rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients. These nutrients help protect against cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and other chronic diseases.
In summary, lentils, like other legumes, can be stored in the refrigerator for a number of days. Just make sure they’re cooked, and you’ll have a vegan mains option that’s affordable, healthy and sustainable for days to come.