How to store mung bean
Best place: the fridge. USDA gives mung bean a fridge time (4 to 6 weeks, from purchase) and no pantry time, so it belongs in the fridge as soon as you get home.
No guideline
4 to 6 weeks
from purchase
Never refrigerate wet sprouts. Transfer to a plastic bag or use a glass or plastic container.
No guideline
USDA notes for mung bean
- sprouts: Never refrigerate wet sprouts. Transfer to a plastic bag or use a glass or plastic container.
- dry, food-grade bags: Keep the beans in an airtight container as it’s imperative that they remain dry.
How to tell mung bean has gone bad
General signs for grains, beans & pasta, the group USDA lists mung bean under.
- Small webbing, moths or beetles inside the bag or container
- Musty or damp smell instead of a neutral, dry one
- Clumping together from moisture getting into the package
- Cooked pasta or rice turning sticky, slimy or sour smelling
- Visible mould on cooked beans or grains left too long
More on grains, beans & pasta. The times above are quality guidelines, not safety limits; food that shows these signs goes out regardless of the date.
Storage habits that make the difference
Store dry grains, beans and pasta in airtight containers in a cool, dry cupboard away from the stove. Once cooked, refrigerate in a shallow covered container within two hours and use within about four days. Freeze cooked portions for longer storage and thaw in the fridge before reheating.
How to store other grains, beans & pasta
Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset (public domain). How we decode the data.