How to Store Dried Pulses and Keep Pests Away
How should you store lentils, chickpeas, beans and bulgur? Practical tips on airtight containers, the freezer method, shelf life and how to prevent pantry pests in dried pulses.
Dried pulses keep their quality for a long time when stored properly. Moisture, heat and air, however, can affect both flavour and safety. Here is how to store pulses correctly and keep pantry pests away.
Why do pantry pests appear?
Insects in dried pulses usually multiply in warm, humid conditions. Products left in open packs for a long time or kept in a warm cupboard are most at risk, so storage conditions matter as much as product quality.
Six rules for proper storage
- Use airtight containers. After opening, move pulses into glass jars with tight lids or sealed food-grade containers.
- Choose a cool, dry place. Avoid cupboards near the oven, hob or dishwasher. A cool, dry, dark pantry is ideal.
- Keep moisture out. Never use a wet spoon, and keep containers away from condensation.
- First in, first out. Do not top up old stock with new; keep them separate and use the older product first.
- Label your containers. Writing the product name and purchase date helps you keep track.
- Check regularly. Inspect containers once a month and set aside anything that looks suspicious.
The freezer method
Especially in summer, putting newly bought pulses in a sealed bag in the freezer for 48 hours is a common way to help stop any insect eggs from developing. Let the bag return to room temperature before opening to avoid condensation.
Traditional methods
Placing a few bay leaves in the jar is a traditional habit passed down through generations in Anatolian kitchens. It is no substitute for proper storage, but it adds a pleasant aroma to your pantry.
Shelf life
Dried pulses can be stored for a long time in the right conditions, but for the best flavour and cooking performance, follow the best-before date on the pack. Pulses kept for very long take longer to cook.
Quality starts at the source
Good storage starts in production. At Reigna Gıda, our products are packed hygienically by automatic machines without manual contact, and every lot goes through physical, chemical and microbiological analyses. Explore our products.