What can I do with five pounds of dried beans that are about three years old?

Question

I really don';t want to throw away, but can't think of what to do with black beans, pinto beans,red beans and some other non I.D. beans that's big and green. charities? art?

Answer 1

Donate them to a preschool, school, or an afterschool program. They can use them for art projects or maybe sorting.

Answer 2

If they have been stored securely in an airtight container, they should be perfectly good to eat. However, you will need to soak and cook them a little longer than beans that are less than a year old in order to get them soft.

You could also use them for art if you wish. Or for useful items around the home. For a wrist support for my hands while typing, I use a sock filled with old beans. Works great, and keeps my hands free from pain.

You could even plant a few of them, in paper cups, if not in your garden, to see what they look like when they grow. I tried this one year and discovered I had a bean in an old 3-bean soup mix that was incredibly prolific, producing 1/2 pound of beans from 5 that I planted.

But if you think the beans aren't edible, I wouldn't donate them to charity, at least not a charity food program. I wouldn't give a foodbank any food that I wouldn't be willing to eat myself.

Answer 3

You can make a three beans salad, Or you can make musical instruments with your children or younger family members. Take a pringles (or anything similar) can and clean is out. Fill the can 3/4 of the way with the beans and seal the top. You can let them decorate the can before it is filled with beans.

Answer 4

Put them in an old sock or towel and heat in the microwave for about 2 minutes to create a wonderful warm wrap for sore muscles.
They can also be used for crafts, or to hold artificial flowers upright ina vase. Tie inside of a decorative fabric and use to weigh down a helium balloon.

Answer 5

I remember in kindergarten we used to paint dried beans and then glue them on to card to make pictures. Have you seen Australian Aboriginal Art - Dot Painting? It turns out looking like that only with beans. It's pretty cool when you're a kid.

Answer 6

Get over your attachment to those beans that you really don't want - throw them away!
Or! Hide them from yourself - when you find them 3 years from now - throw them away! I hope all goes well.

Answer 7

i'd place them in a plastic bag and seal it. place the plastic bag into a soft fabric envelope and make a cushion. similar to a bean bag i guess, but would use for support to the neck when watching tv or driving

Answer 8

Soak them in water overnight, then simmer them all day over low heat, then dump in some spices, stir, and use the result as a cure for constipation.

Answer 9

If art, put something over it like shellac to keep moisture out. Sounds like a good idea. Flower Pots?

Answer 10

Throw them out. Over a period of time they could get bugs in them that hatch. Take notice if you see tiny holes drilled into them because that is a good sign they have bugs.