Skip to Content

How Long Do Lentils Last? Do They Go Bad?

It’s happened to all of us, that moment when you’re at the grocery store ready to buy a bag of lentils and then…that pesky question creeps into your mind: “Do these actually expire? Can they go bad?

How long do lentils last after I open them anyway?” You want the healthiest option for yourself and your family, but don’t want to risk waste if they end up going off.

What is the right decision in this situation? Don’t worry!

We’ve got you covered with our informative blog post on how long lentils can last – discussing their shelf-life before & after opening so that you can make sure nothing goes to waste or gives anyone a stomachache from consuming expired product.

What’s Lentil?

Lentils are a type of legume that are small, round, and typically green or brown in color.

They are often used in soups and stews, as well as being a common ingredient in vegetarian dishes.

Lentils are a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals.

They can be stored for long periods of time, making them a great pantry staple.

Lentils come in many different varieties, with the most common being red lentils, green lentils, and brown lentils.

Each type has a slightly different flavor and texture, but they can generally be used interchangeably in recipes.

Lentils can be bought either whole or split; the latter cook faster and are often used in soups.

When cooking lentils, it is important to rinse them thoroughly before adding them to your recipe.

This will remove any dirt or debris that may be on the surface of the lentils.

It is also important to cook lentils until they are soft; if they are not cooked long enough, they will be chewy and difficult to eat.

How to Store Lentils?

Lentils are a type of legume that can be stored for long periods of time.

They are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, such as soups, stews, and salads.

When properly stored, lentils will last for up to two years.

The best way to store lentils is in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Lentils should be kept away from light and moisture, as both of these elements can cause the lentils to deteriorate.

Once opened, it is best to use the lentils within six months.

To extend the shelf life of lentils even further, you can store them in the freezer.

Lentils that have been frozen will last for up to one year.

When you are ready to use the frozen lentils, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.

How Long Do Lentils Last?

Lentils are a type of legume that are incredibly versatile and have a long shelf life.

When stored properly, lentils can last for up to two years.

This makes them a great pantry staple to have on hand for when you need a quick and easy meal.

Lentils are relatively easy to store.

The best way to keep them fresh is to place them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

You can also keep them in the fridge or freezer if you want them to last even longer.

Just make sure to cook the lentils before freezing them, as this will help prevent them from becoming mushy.

When cooked, lentils can be used in a variety of dishes.

They make a great addition to soups and stews, or can be cooked on their own and served as a side dish.

Lentils are also often used in vegetarian and vegan dishes as a meat replacement.

No matter how you choose to use them, lentils are a delicious and nutritious way to add some extra protein and fiber to your diet.

How to Tell If Lentils are Bad?

If you’re not sure whether your lentils are still good to eat or not, there are a few things you can do to tell.

First, take a look at the lentils and see if they have changed color or shape.

If they look different than when you bought them, they may be starting to go bad.

Second, smell the lentils.

If they have a sour or musty smell, they are probably bad and should be thrown out.

Finally, taste a small amount of the lentils.

If they taste off or sour, it’s best to discard them.

Can You Freeze Lentils?

Lentils are a type of legume that is often used in soups, stews, and salads.

They are a versatile ingredient that is high in protein and fiber, and they can be cooked in a variety of ways.

While you can freeze lentils, it is important to note that their texture will change after being frozen and thawed.

Frozen lentils may become mushy or watery, so they are best used in dishes where they will be mashed or pureed.

To freeze lentils, cook them according to your recipe.

Once they are cooked, allow them to cool completely.

Then, transfer the lentils to a freezer-safe container or bag.

Label the container with the date and type of lentils, then place it in the freezer.

Frozen lentils will last for up to six months.

When you’re ready to use the frozen lentils, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.

Then, cook them according to your recipe.

You may need to add a little extra cooking time if the lentils are still frozen in the center.

Conclusion

As you can see, lentils are a versatile and healthy food that can last for a long time.

They are a great addition to any meal and can be used in a variety of dishes.

If you are looking for a healthy and affordable food, lentils are a great option.

Thanks for reading and we hope this post was helpful.

How Long Do Lentils Last? Do They Go Bad?

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Shelf Life
Servings 1 Serving

Ingredients
  

  • Lentils
  • Air-tight containers or Ziplock bags
  • Labels and markers

Instructions
 

  • Store your product in an labelled container in a cool, dark place like the pantry or fridge.
  • If your food is frozen, allow it to thaw in the fridge before cooking.
  • Make sure to look for signs that your food has gone bad before eating it.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!