Dry Beans - 60 lbs/ person/ year

Dry beans are a very important part of your food storage and should be considered a top priority in your planning.  According to the USDA MyPyramid, beans are classified in both the Meat and Beans and Vegetables food groups. 

Beans as part of the Vegetable Group

Beans are technically a vegetable because they are a plant-based food that provide vitamins and minerals such as folate, potassium, and magnesium.  Beans are also an excellent source of fiber.

Beans as part of the Meat and Beans Group

Beans are also included in the Meat and Beans Group of the USDA MyPyramid because they are an excellent source of protein,  zinc, and iron.

How much to store
 
It is recommended to store at least 60 pounds of dry beans/ person/ year.  This amount will provide a person approximately 2.5 servings (serving=1/4 cup cooked) and an average of 150 calories/ day.  This amount will adequately supply the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommended amount of 3 cups of cooked dry beans a week.  Even if you do not consume a lot of beans on a normal daily basis, it is important that you include this inexpensive staple into your food storage to have for nourishment in times of need.

Storage 

Dry beans are inexpensive and easy to store.  They can be stored in glass jars, food grade buckets, #10 cans, Mylar bags, or other air tight food storage containers.  If stored properly, beans can store for many years.

Other legumes and nuts

Nutritionally speaking, peanuts and other nuts can be classified in both the Dry Beans and Fat and Oil groups.  However, because of the high fat content of these foods, their shelf life is much shorter than that of dry beans and should not be considered for long-term storage.  These items can be included in your 3 month supply and for our purposes will be classified in the Fat and Oil food storage group.

Canned cooked beans 

You may also store canned cooked beans, but keep in mind that the weights you read on the cans do not correspond to the weights considered above due to the water and other ingredients added to make them a convenience food.  A 15.5 - 16 oz can of cooked beans is equal to approximately  7 oz of dry beans.  A 28 oz can of baked beans is equal to approximately 12 oz of dry beans.

Beans and legumes to consider storing

• pinto beans
• small red beans
• small white beans
• great northern beans
• large lima beans
• baby lima beans
• yellow split peas
• green split peas
• lentils
• kidney beans
• blackeye peas
• black turtle beans
• garbanzo beans or chickpeas
• whole green peas
• pink beans
• black beans
• soy beans