Black beans are one of the most delicious beans with a nutty, mild, and creamy flavor. In addition, the flavor can be enhanced by other ingredients.
The black beans are readily available on the market and don’t have an overwhelming flavor, which is why they can be added to various recipes.
However, many people have been wondering about the black bean green inside, and with this article, we are sharing what it means!
Black Bean Is Green Inside – What Does It Mean?
There is actually a variety of black beans that has green flesh – these beans are officially known as frosted beans. The frosted beans have green flesh and unlike the white flesh of black beans.
These frosted beans are used as a side dish, or you can use them as an ingredient for processed foods. The black beans with green flesh are actually very expensive, which is why they are used in quality recipes.
These black beans are available in a polished form and release a unique aroma whenever a packet is opened. In simpler words, black beans with green flesh don’t mean that beans are rotten or spoiled.
Signs Of Rotten Or Spoiled Black Beans
Consuming spoiled black beans can be hazardous to health as they can cause intestinal and abdominal problems. Usually, the problem starts with vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea.
In most cases, the condition worsens because the bacteria grow in spoiled black beans. For this reason, it’s important to look for signs of spoilage. Some of the signs of spoiled black beans include;
- Texture
First of all, you have to consider the texture. The fresh black beans are bright and have easier snapping, but the spoiled bens have a dry appearance.
In addition, the spoiled black beans have brown spots. Also, there is a firm texture in fresh beans which will be hard to touch.
On the contrary, when black beans are spoiled, they become soft, and the structure actually shrinks. In simpler words, the black beans lose their firmness.
- Color
The black beans have a glowing and fresh color (yes, even if their exterior is black). However, the spoiled black beans will have a dull appearance. In addition, the green flesh will have dark brown spots as well.
Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to identify the spots. Also, if there is discoloration in the black beans, it indicates that the black beans have started to spoil.
- Smell
Fresh black beans have a mild and light aroma. However, they develop an off and foul smell when they are spoiled.
In most cases, the black beans won’t give any aroma, but the spoiled beans will release a strong foul smell. For this reason, you should always smell the black beans before eating or cooking them.
- Mold
In some cases, the spoiled black beans will also have mold – the mold can be white or grey in appearance. The presence of mold indicates a bacterial or fungal infection.
So, if the black beans seem to have grey or white buildup, it indicates that the beans have been infested with bacteria and fungi. These beans should not be consumed.
- Flavor
Tasting the black beans is another method that only applies to cooked beans. The spoiled black beans will have a bitter and foul flavor. However, this technique is risky, and you should try checking the bean’s freshness from the other four methods.
Storing The Canned Black Beans
It’s common for people to purchase black beans in canned form because they are easier to cook. The unopened can of beans can be stored in the dark and cool pantry for over a year.
On the other hand, if you have to store the opened can of black beans, you can try refrigerating as well as freezing.
To refrigerate the opened can, you can transfer the content to an airtight container, and you will be able to use it within three to four days if you store it in a refrigerator.
On the contrary, if you want to store the black beans for a longer time period, it’s recommended that you put everything in an airtight container and put it in the freezer for one to two months.
In addition to an airtight container, you can also use a freezer bag.
Storing The Dried Black Beans
The dried black beans are relatively easier to store. The dried black beans can be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place for over a year. This is because black beans are sensitive to humidity, heat, oxygen, and light.
The dried black beans can also attract weevils, which is a bugs that lays eggs within the beans and causes an infestation. So, to store the dried black beans, we are sharing the following tips;
- It is recommended that you keep the black beans in their packaging. This is because the original packaging has an airtight seal, which can work for over a year
- Secondly, you can put them in a glass jar or mylar bag. In addition, you can put the beans in an airtight container and put the container in a dry, cool, and dark place. The container will keep it safe for over three years
- Thirdly, you can try using vacuum seal bags to make sure the black beans aren’t exposed to excess oxygen. The vacuum-sealed black beans can be stored for over five years
- Last but not least, it is recommended that you put oxygen absorbers in airtight containers and storage bags. The oxygen absorbers have iron and do a great job at removing oxygen, so the black beans will remain fresh for over five years
It’s not common but the dried black beans can be stored in the freezer in an airtight container or a freezer bag – freezing the beans helps kill the insects and eliminate chances of spoilage.
You can freeze the dried beans for an indefinite time period.
The Bottom Line
Fresh and healthy black beans should not have any mold or pungent smell. In case there is an off odor, the beans should be discarded. In addition, if there are dents or holes in the beans, they must be thrown away.
Last but not least, the green inside doesn’t mean black beans are spoiled because frosted beans naturally have a greener flesh!