To dry dry beans, the simplest method is to let them dry naturally on the vine.
Here's a breakdown of how to dry beans, specifically navy, kidney, butter, great northern, lima, lentils, and soybeans, using the vine-drying method:
Vine Drying Dry Beans
This is a low-effort way to dry your beans if you have the space and suitable weather.
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Leave the Pods on the Vine: Allow the bean pods to remain on the vine in your garden until the beans inside begin to rattle. This indicates they are drying out and separating from the pod walls.
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Wait for Vines and Pods to Dry: The vines and pods should become dry and shriveled before you proceed. This typically happens in late summer or early fall.
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Harvest the Beans: Pick the dried beans and pods from the vines.
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Shell the Beans: Remove the beans from their pods. No specific pretreatment is necessary at this point.
Important Considerations:
- Weather: This method works best in dry climates. If you live in an area with high humidity or frequent rainfall, you may need to dry the beans indoors after harvesting them.
- Pest Control: Keep an eye out for pests that might damage the beans while they are drying.
This vine-drying method allows you to naturally dry beans without needing special equipment. Once dried, store your beans in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
