Need bean drying help?
 

So I had to pick a bunch of my black beans as we keep getting rain and I didn't want them to rot. What is the best way to dry them now? Suggestions please!

Just spread out and let the pods dry out.
Then you can shell the beans.
If they aren't mature they may wrinkle up.
Worth

ummm . . . I have them shelled? Now what? See I KNEW I should have sent you a PM and just asked you to start with before I made a mess. Can I save them?

[QUOTE=Spike2;588880]ummm . . . I have them shelled? Now what? See I KNEW I should have sent you a PM and just asked you to start with before I made a mess. Can I save them?[/QUOTE]
I answered your PM I got a wild hair and mowed the yard/forest floor for the first time this summer and just now got back.
Where the pods about to start drying out?

Worth

If already shelled, spread out in a single layer with air circulation. Putting beans on a screen with a fan blowing on them would be ideal, but isn't practical for most people.

If it's going to rain, pick whole pods just when they are starting to dry (pods will start to get dull looking). Store them indoors, single layer, air circulation. Shell them after the pods are well dry.

The pods were starting to dry out but had a way to go and I shelled the beans. They are beautiful! OMG It is pouring again >,< Which is what caused me to pick them to begin with.

[QUOTE=Spike2;588907]The pods were starting to dry out but had a way to go and I shelled the beans. They are beautiful! OMG It is pouring again >,< Which is what caused me to pick them to begin with.[/QUOTE]

They look great just make sure they are completely dry.
As for rain I left my motorcycle out again and it started to rain.:dizzy:

Worth

agree with spreading out in single layer to dry. sheet pan works good. don't dry in direct sun. dry enough is when you can no longer dent the bean with a finger nail, and it makes a tick sound when you drop it on a hard surface, and probably bounce and roll under the table.



keith

Great looking beans! Once they are completely dry (to the point of shattering if hit with a hammer), I run mine through the freezer for at least a few days (in a closed container) to eliminate any bug problems.

[QUOTE=PhilaGardener;588929]Great looking beans! Once they are completely dry (to the point of shattering if hit with a hammer), I run mine through the freezer for at least a few days (in a closed container) to eliminate any bug problems.[/QUOTE]

I do the same thing, just in case.

Wait until they are thoroughly dry before doing this or they will crack from moisture expanding within the beans.

I would just leave them sitting around on the sheet pan for a couple of weeks. Don't rush it.

Mine are sitting in a paper bag right now, not even shelled yet.

Thanks so much! I was afraid I ruined them.

I had the former sheriff of Monterrey Mexico tell me the beans were so dry they served in jail they would bounce off the wall several times like a super ball.
:))

Worth

I just thought I would come back and thank you all for you assistance (and dealing with me whining in a PM Worth). Here is the end product, 1/2 gallon of black beans along with a couple Girl Girl Weird Things cause this is a tomato forum GOSH :D

Looks great. After I lost a jar or two like that to mold, I often add a small desiccant pack (the kind that comes in a prescription bottle) to the closed jar to keep things safe.

[QUOTE=PhilaGardener;592773]Looks great. After I lost a jar or two like that to mold, I often add a small desiccant pack (the kind that comes in a prescription bottle) to the closed jar to keep things safe.[/QUOTE]

OH good idea! Done :D and thank you!