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Whether canned chickpeas go bad or not is not so much of a mystery, but it is quite understandable to want to know for sure if they go bad to avoid health issues like food poisoning or worst botulism. Canned chickpeas are now a staple shelf-stable food in grocery stores as well as in many kitchens.
It is quite hard to find fresh chickpeas in the market most times, and canned chickpeas always come to the rescue. Although canned chickpeas may not be as nutritious as fresh chickpeas, it still offers a good amount of nutrients and is also flavorful. That aside, canned chickpeas are more long-lasting than fresh chickpeas but do they go bad eventually?
Quick answer: Yes, canned chickpeas do go bad but only when they are not properly secured in a can or an airtight container. Canned chickpeas usually have an unlimited shelf life, however, the standard or quality of the canned chickpeas will begin to lessen the moment it surpasses its best-before date.
Canned chickpeas are one of the leading ingredients for many vegan recipes, so it is best to know everything that there is to know about them. In this article, we will be exposing a lot of truths about canned chickpeas, stick around to find out some interesting information.
Canned Chickpeas Vs Dried Chickpeas: Which Is Better?
Canned or dried, chickpeas are very flavorful and it will be very delightful to have any one of them.
That being said, a lot of people get confused about which one of these two to go for as to which one tastes better. However, deciphering which is better is a matter of preference. For some people, dried chickpeas are the best while others would agree that canned chickpeas are the best.
Now, dried chickpeas have no sodium, preservatives, or additives as they come directly from the ground an nd will need to be doused in water for hours before finally cooking it.
Canned chickpeas, on the other hand, have been soaked and pre-cooked, so there is really no need to go through the stress of soaking for hours and cooking it for 45 minutes top.
Canned chickpeas come first in terms of convenience. If you do not wish to spend so much time preparing your chickpeas or you are in a hurry, surely canned chickpeas are the best choice for you.
However, dried chickpeas contain more nutrients than canned chickpeas. They are also easier to break down or digest, that being said, dried chickpeas are the perfect choice for those who prefer a healthier version of chickpeas.
How To Store Canned Chickpeas After Opening
Once canned chickpeas are unsealed from the can, you may wonder if there is a way to preserve them for a while until you are ready to use them. The following are two ways to preserve chickpeas right after opening them and you still have leftovers;
1. Refrigerate
Refrigerating leftover canned chickpeas will keep them safe for about 3-5 days, however, it is great to understand that you can not store them in their can as it is already unsealed which can expose them to air.
So to properly store them in the fridge, transfer the chickpeas to a ziplock bag or an airtight container. Refrigerating leftover canned chickpeas is highly recommended as doesn’t dry out or get the chickpeas soggy, however, be sure not to leave them in the fridge any longer than 5 days.
2. Freeze
If you intend to leave your leftover canned chickpeas longer than a week or more, freezing the chickpeas is your best bet as it can keep them preserved for 3-6months.
This method, however, is not very suitable as the chickpeas end up becoming too soft or soggy after thawing them out. Make sure to transfer the leftover chickpea to a freezer-safe container or bag to protect them from freezer burn and from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are canned chickpeas good for?
Canned chickpeas are good for consumption indefinitely, this means that you can eat them years after expiring. However, canned chickpeas will not be in their best form or quality after exceeding their expiration date.
How long do canned chickpeas last after opening?
Usually when left to sit at room temperature, unsealed canned chickpeas will only last not longer than 24 hours. This is why it is recommended to store them in the refrigerator or in the freezer in order to prolong their shelf life. Canned chickpeas that are opened will last for 3-5 days in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer.
What happens if you eat bad chickpeas?
Eating bad chickpeas can be very threatening to health, as they are usually contaminated with harmful bacteria. After consuming bad chickpeas, you may experience abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and nausea.
Summing Up
Canned chickpeas are only exposed to spoilage when there is damage to the can, that is, when the canned chickpeas are dented or rusted.
On the other hand, they do not go bad when the can is in very good shape or condition even after it is way past its expiration date.
