2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Lentils do not appear on our tables very often. And in vain - one single serving of lentils is comparable in protein content to a similar serving of meat! This is a very healthy and incredibly nutritious product that definitely deserves to be on our menu more often. Well, since so far we only eat lentils occasionally, the question of how to properly store them will be quite reasonable. In fact, there is nothing complicated about it
How long is it stored?
When stored properly, lentils can easily be stored for up to a year (on average, for ten months). However, after this period, it does not lose its suitability for eating, it just will take longer to cook, and its structure will be quite tough and rough.
Lentil manufacturers indicate different expiration dates for this product on the packaging. However, in this case, it is not possible to determine the exact timing of harvesting the seeds, since the difference between the date of collection and the date of packaging is not indicated by the producers. In this regard, it is better not to store lentils for more than six months, and if it has been lying longer, then it must be treated with some degree of caution, thoroughly examining the grains before use.
How to store?
Lentils are perfectly stored for quite a long time, but it is important not to forget that the longer they are stored, the drier the grains will become. To make sure of this, you can try to compare the seeds that have been stored for about six months with those that have just been purchased in the store.
One of the main characteristics of lentils is their ability to perfectly absorb moisture. That is why it is not recommended to store nutritious grains in plastic bags or in glass jars - condensation almost always accumulates in such a container, which is extremely undesirable.
Store lentils only in well-ventilated and dark places. If the sun's rays fall on the stored grains, then the lentils will either dry out or mold will begin to form on it. And with high humidity, it will deteriorate in just a week. By the way, moisture can provoke not only rotting of seeds, but also their gradual oxidation, as a result of which the grains acquire a characteristic bloom and an unpleasant odor. That is why lentils should only be stored dry and exclusively in dry conditions. Nevertheless, in no case should it be stored in the immediate vicinity of heat sources - the lentils will rot.
The best containers for storing lentils are fabric bags or cardboard boxes. Canvas bags will be especially good - they keep useful grains best of all. At the same time, it is important to try to ensure that storage containers are also airtight.
Sometimes it happens that lentils become covered with bloom or tarnish during storage. If the grains become tarnished, this indicates that the lentils have begun to lose their excellent taste, and they will now cook much longer, since their structure has undergone certain changes. And if signs of rotting or plaque were found on the grains, it is necessary to refuse to eat them - even washing such lentils will not rid it of harmful microorganisms that have settled in it. Do not eat grains stuck together as a result of high humidity.
Boiled lentils
As for the storage of boiled grains, they can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than six days (and ideally, they are best consumed in the next three to four days).
If there is a need to increase the storage duration of boiled lentils, then it is recommended to freeze it - in this form, lentils can be stored for up to six months. True, after defrosting, the cooked grains may slightly change their consistency, but this will not affect their taste in any way.
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