Should I freeze beans? Help!?

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As I get grains, I've been freezing them for 72 hours and then putting them in storage containers with bay leaves to keep bugs at bay (pun intended). Should I do the same with dried beans? I just picked up some dried beans at a local farm stand.

-- Libby Alexander (libbyalex@aol.com), November 29, 1998

Answers

Better to make sure all moisture is out of them first - a bit of time in the dehydrator might be a good idea. I don't think freezing kills bug eggs - bay leaves may keep new ones out but I don't think I would trust results for bug eggs already in the grain.

-- Paul Davis (davisp1953@yahoo.com), November 30, 1998.

I just recently read in Stevens book, "Making the Best of Basics" that you freeze the 72 hrs. and then re-freeze the same bag in 30 days. I bought my rice in bulk 25 lbs. and am leaving it in the original packaging. I am freezing them for 72hrs. and labeling them so I know which ones I've done, then placing them back in, in 30 days and then I will pick out dead bugs and place in my bags and buckets. Load of fun. My 3yo helps me pick critters out and she thinks it is fun! Good luck. I also am doing this with all pasta and flours. Mary

-- Mary Howe (doesnotmatter@thistime.com), November 30, 1998.

PS - I forgot to tell you the reason for re-freezing is that apparently freezing does NOT kill the larve, so when the larve matures into a bug, which I assume is a 30 day process, that is when you zap them again.

-- Mary Howe (doesnotmatter@thistime.com), November 30, 1998.

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