Can you freeze refried beans? The short answer is yes. Refried beans, a staple in Mexican cuisines are a delicious blend of beans and spices, giving you a rich flavor. Naturally, you’ll want to store it for later.
Unlike most food dishes, the good state of a refried bean dish rests on its taste, not its look. Therefore, you need to store it in a refrigerator in the best way for as long as possible.
Therefore, this article explains what you need to know about refried beans and how best to freeze them.
What are refried beans?
Refried beans are a traditional delicacy of Mexican, Tex-Mex cuisine, and the wider part of Latin America.
The delicacy comprises cooking beans, mashing them, and spicing them up. Different types of beans can be used for this dish, and there are different ways to spice them up.
Some of the beans include but are not limited to pinto beans, sauté beans, black beans, Peruano beans, and red kidney beans among others.
Can you freeze refried beans?
Yes, you can freeze refried beans. The storage method of preserving refried beans is classified into two: the drying/dehydrating method and the freezing method.
These methods help to extend longevity and retain the freshness of the delicacy. Preserving refried beans allows you to enjoy a fresh supply of refried beans anytime, any day.
Why should you freeze refried beans?
Preserving leftover refried beans helps to reduce spoilage or waste. Freezing refried beans helps to preserve the taste, texture, and flavor.
Freezing also helps you increase your profit via savings on the cost of preparation, unstable commodity market prices, and turnaround delivery time if you are doing it for commercial purposes.
Moreover, it enables you to eat your meals with your favorite refried beans as a delicacy alongside it.
How to preserve refried beans
You can preserve your refried beans in different ways. These distinct ways are not better than the other. What method you choose is solely based on your preferences.
The freezing method
This method allows you to make use of a cold storage medium. Using a cold storage medium calls for a different type of packaging of food products to preserve the taste, quality, flavor, and texture of the food being preserved in it.
The best way of preserving refried beans in a cold storage medium includes the following:
- Allow the refried beans to cool to room temperature.
- Place beans into an airtight container or a storage bag that seals properly.
- Separate refried beans into usable portions.
- Place portions into separate airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Label, date, and seal all packaging.
- Freeze refried beans for up to 12 months.
The drying/dehydrating method
In dehydrating a refried bean, you can use the oven method or the dehydrator method. Both work well in keeping your refried beans preserved.
Dehydrating refried beans in the oven
- Place a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using a spoon, place small pieces of refried beans across the pan or spread them out in a thin layer.
- Bake in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or until dry.
- Use a food processor, rolling pin, or another tool to smash and crush the dried refried beans.
- Store in an airtight manner – vacuum seal, storage bags, airtight containers.
Dehydrating refried beans in a dehydrator
- Place your dehydrator trays with plastic wrap for easy cleanup.
- Spread refried beans around on the tray.
- Switch on the dehydrator for 2-4 hours while checking the beans regularly.
- When beans are dry, remove them from trays and crush them.
- Store in an airtight manner – vacuum seal, storage bags, airtight container.
How to thaw frozen refried beans
If you will freeze refried beans to preserve them, you must also know how to thaw them. If you don’t thaw refried beans properly, you risk losing the entire dish because it may end up mushy and tasteless.
The most effective method is to leave the bowl of refried beans to thaw overnight in a refrigerator. You can also allow the frozen beans to thaw in a bowl of water.
Note: Do not heat frozen refried beans. Let it get back to room temperature or close to it before heating it in a microwave or oven.
How long can you freeze refried beans?
You can keep refried beans for as long as 5 months to one year or even more. How long the beans stay frozen depends on how you packaged them before freezing. Also, the power source must be uninterrupted to prevent spoilage.
Pros of freezing refried beans
- Refried beans can last indefinitely when stored properly.
- Easy to use after freezing.
- The freezing process is simple.
- Refried beans are versatile and can make many things.
- Inexpensive and stretch a long way.
Cons of freezing refried beans
- It tends to get drier and smaller when freezing and unfreezing during use.
- Failure to use an airtight container or bag while storing after use usually leads to spoilage.
- Long-term freezing allows you to outgrow the love for you to still eat them as new dishes will be more enticing to you.
FAQs
Are refried beans healthy?
Refried beans are very healthy because they contain minerals like magnesium, manganese, and vitamin C – all of which are nutrients that your body needs and craves for optimal functionality.
Can refried beans be extra spiced?
Yes, you can have refried beans in a variety of spiced flavors.
Refried beans can be made with bell pepper, jalapeno pepper, and cotija Mexican cheese and served in these styles; Mexican Pizzas, Cheese Enchiladas, Authentic Mexican Rice, Tres Leches Cake, and Horchata.
Can refried beans be made at home?
Yes, you can. However, it takes extra stress in getting it to the processed stage. Because of this canned refried beans are readily available for use.
Conclusion
Refried beans are healthy meals you can come back to over and over again. Consequently, you should learn how to freeze them.
Enjoying your favorite refried beans in different varieties cannot be overrated it provides a yummy feeling of having a bite.
Furthermore, try to keep some well stored to prevent it from losing its taste. Then you can enjoy your refried beans for as long as you like.
Thanks for reading. See a list of other foods you can freeze.
