DecodedGuides

How long does mung bean last?

In the fridge, mung bean keeps for 4 to 6 weeks from purchase. All 3 kinds are below.

Pantry

No guideline

Fridge

4 to 6 weeks

from purchase

After opening

No guideline

By kind

KindPantryFridgeAfter openingFreezer
sproutsno guideline4 to 6 weeksno guidelineno guideline
dry, food-grade bags1 year1 yearno guideline1 year
dry, vacuum-sealed8 to 10 yearsno guidelineno guidelineno guideline

No guideline: USDA gives no time for that place, usually because the food is not stored that way.

Does mung bean go bad?

Yes. The fridge time above is the window USDA gives for good quality; after it, mung bean may still be safe for a short while but quality drops and spoilage signs start. The date on the package is the maker's quality promise; the times here count from purchase unless marked "from the package date".

Two numbers to keep in mind: a fridge at 40 F (4 C) or below, and no more than 2 hours at room temperature (1 hour above 90 F / 32 C) for anything perishable.

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.

How long do other grains, beans & pasta last?

Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset (public domain). How we decode the data.