How To Store Chickpeas in 2024
Chickpeas are an excellent source of protein, fiber, iron, folate, and more. They also contain antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, beta carotene, and alpha-lipoic acid. They are among the most used ingredients in countless dishes served during gatherings, especially for vegan diets.
Chickpeas are often used as a substitute for meat.
They can be cooked in different ways from boiling, instant pot, air fryer, and baking.
And it can be confusing in storing all of them. So, in this article, we will be sharing with you different ways of keeping different types of chickpeas.
TLDR: the most common way is to store them in airtight containers for up to 2 weeks.
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Read below to know more about storing chickpeas.
How to Store Different Kinds of Chickpeas
There are different kinds of chickpeas that everyone loves to use. With that, we will give you easy tips on how to store each of them, including the fresh, dried, canned, roasted, soaked, and air-fried chickpeas.
How to Store Uncooked Chickpeas
Uncooked or raw chickpeas need to be kept away from moisture at room temperature. This is because if there’s any water left inside the pod after cooking, then it may spoil your food. So, make sure not to keep them near heat sources like ovens, stoves, etc. Also, don’t leave them out in direct sunlight either. It could cause damage to their skin.
Here are the steps on how to store raw chickpeas:
1. Don’t wash them before storage. Instead, just soak them overnight in cold water. After soaking, drain off excess water by placing them in a clean bowl. Then rinse again under a running tap.
2. Dry them thoroughly using a paper towel. Make sure to remove every bit of water so that none remains inside.
3. Place them all in an airtight container, ensuring that it is adequately sealed. Avoid putting them in plastic bags since they might absorb odors.
4. Store them in a dry place with no humidity.
How to Store Fresh Chickpeas
Fresh chickpeas have to be washed first before being placed into an airtight container. You must ensure that they are entirely free of dirt and debris. If possible, try to get organic ones. The reason behind this is that non-organic chickpeas tend to carry pesticides that may affect our health negatively.
Here are the steps on how to store fresh chickpeas:
1. Wash them well. Remove any debris or dust particles. Rinse them several times until the water runs clear.
2. Drain them well. Let them sit in a colander for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to another sink filled with cool water. Repeat this process twice more.
3. Dry them thoroughly. Use a kitchen towel to pat them dry. Don’t rub them vigorously. Just gently press down on them.
4. Now, put them in an airtight container. Ensure that it has a tight lid.
5. Keep them in the refrigerator. But do remember that they shouldn’t stay longer than three days. Otherwise, they would start losing nutrients.
How to Store Dried Chickpeas
Dried chickpeas require less space compared to other beans. They also last much longer when stored correctly. However, some people find it difficult to store them as they quickly turn moldy. Here are the steps on how best to store them:
1. Before drying, make sure to check whether they contain any pests, such as bugs or worms. These insects eat through the pods while they are still green. Once they become brownish, these pests won’t bother anymore.
2. Spread them evenly over a single layer in a tray or baking sheet. Leave enough distance between one bean and another. Try to avoid overcrowding too.
3. Allow them to dry naturally. Do not use fans or electric blowers. Let them hang freely in open spaces.
4. When you see tiny white dots appearing on top of the beans, it means that they are ready to harvest. At this point, take note of the time.
5. Transfer them to containers immediately. And seal tightly.
How to Store Roasted Chickpeas
Properly storing roasted chickpeas is another method in prolonging the crispiness. They are not naturally crispy. Hence it quickly becomes softer in a matter of time. Know that the only time that you should refrigerate roasted chickpeas is when you have mixed seasonings on them, and you want to keep the nutty flavor. Here are the steps on how best to store them:
1. Put them in an airtight jar. Make sure that there isn’t any moisture left inside. This will prevent them from getting soggy.
2. Seal the jar tightly. It is important that you don’t forget about sealing it because the contents can spoil quickly once opened.
3. Refrigerate them if you want to keep them for a long time.
4. Take out the jars after two weeks. Check their consistency.
How to Store Canned Chickpeas
If you bought canned chickpeas or garbanzo beans in the grocery store make sure the bag or container seal is intact. Otherwise, you have to transfer them to another storage bowl to extend the shelf life. Here’s how to store it properly:
1. Open the cans carefully so that no liquid gets spilled.
2. Place them in a bowl. Add 1/2 cup of warm water. Mix well.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Wait 10 minutes. Afterward, drain off the excess water to reduce the sodium content.
4. Close the lids tightly again.
5. Store in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. You can also freeze canned chickpeas for up to 2-3 months.
How to Store Soaked Chickpeas
Soaking chickpeas is common for everyone since it makes the chick pea become softer and digestible. But what happens if your soaking process was unsuccessful? Well, here are the steps on how to store soaked dried chickpeas:
1. Remove the outer layer of skin by rubbing them gently against each other. The skins tend to stick together.
2. Wash thoroughly under running tap water.
3. Then soak overnight. Drain completely.
4. Fill a large pot with fresh cold water. Bring to boil. Boil until tender but firm.
5. Drain and rinse several times. Let them cool down.
6. Pack into a glass container. Keep away from direct sunlight.
7. Use within 4-8 weeks.
How to Store Air-Fried Chickpeas
Cooking Chickpeas in an Air frying has become popular among people who love fried food and healthy snack. However, leftovers may become stale once left in the open. With that, we have tips on how to store your air-fried chickpeas.
1. Ensure that they already cooled down before storing.
2. Clean and dry the airtight jar or container.
3. Add the crispy chickpeas to keep them fresh and crisp. Know that the longer they are stored, the more they become soft and chewy.
4. Store at room temperature. Reheat to 3-5 minutes at 400 degrees if you want to restore its crispiness.
How to Store Instant Pot Chickpeas
Using an electric pressure cooker like an instant pot has become a quick way to prepare natural chickpeas for a salad, sandwiches, or madding dips. Instant Pot chickpeas are very tender with a smooth buttery taste.
How to cook chickpeas in an instant pot – recipe
- Add unsoaked chickpeas and 1 tsp of baking soda to a bowl. Pour over cool water, making sure there are 2-3 inches of water above the chickpeas. Soak this water mix overnight at ambient temperature. If time is short soak at least 6 hours.
- Now drain the water. Also, rinse well with fresh water.
- Put in the Instant Pot bowl and pour in some more so it just covers the chickpeas
- For extra flavor, add some seasoning like salt, and pepper.
- Cook on high for 15 minutes. If you need extra soft cook for 18 minutes.
- Do a quick release
Use your pressure cooker chickpeas for chana dal, hummus, or paste – and any leftover chickpeas you can store.
Hummus tastes like flavored chickpeas.
How to Store Pressure Cooker Chickpeas
- Let them cool down first.
- Use a clean and dry airtight jar or container.
- Freezing chickpeas – use a freezer bag
- Reheat to 5 minutes at 400 F degrees if you want to make crispy roasted chickpeas
How to Store Chickpeas Cooking Water or Aquafaba
Chickpea cooking water or aquafaba is commonly used as an egg white replacer. There are many ways on how to use this ingredient, such as making vegan meringues, homemade ice cream, and even cake frosting. In addition, it can be frozen for future usage. Here are some steps to know about storing aquafaba:
1. Pour boiling hot water over cooked chickpeas.
2. Allow them to sit for 15 minutes.
3. Strain through cheesecloth or paper towel.
4. Freeze immediately. It will take around 6 hours to thaw out fully.
5. Once defrosted, pour back into the original container. Do not reuse the same one.
6. Refrigerate unused portion.
7. When ready to use, add the desired amount of aquafaba to the recipe.
How Do You Store Chickpeas After Opening
If you’re wondering how long do you need to refrigerate opened canned chickpeas after purchase, then read our guide below!
1. Always check the expiration date first.
2. Rinse chickpeas thoroughly under running fresh water to get rid of any residue.
3. Lay them in a baking tray over a single layer to allow them to dry completely. Repeat for another batch of chickpeas.
4. Transfer chickpeas to a storage container.
5. Seal lid tightly.
6. Label contents clearly.
7. Leave alone for 24 hours.
Now you have some good chickpea recipe(s) for cooking and storing dry chickpeas, canning chickpeas.
Do Chickpeas Need to Be Refrigerated
Yes, because they contain high moisture content, which makes them prone to spoilage. So always make sure to store them properly so that they don’t go bad quickly. In addition, there’s no harm in keeping them in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. But remember to consume them within 1 month only.
Can You Store Raw Chickpeas in the Freezer
Raw chickpeas should never be kept in the freezer. They freeze very easily, and when thawed, they lose their texture. Instead, try freezing them dried. This way, they won’t turn mushy upon rehydration. Also, ensure that you remove all traces of oil prior to freezing. If possible, soak them overnight in cold water with lemon juice added. Then drain well and transfer to an airtight container. Make sure to label what type of beans you’ve got. And finally, place them in the freezer until needed.
Are Chickpeas Different From Garbanzo Beans
Chickpeas are also known as garbanzo beans, but these two terms refer to different types of legumes. While garbanzo bean refers to the whole pod, chickpeas come from just the seeds inside. The difference between both is quite obvious since garbanzo beans have a much larger size than those of chickpeas. However, they taste similar too. Both are rich sources of protein and fiber.