To dry bean seeds, cut the whole bean plant or pull it up by the roots and hang it upside down indoors in a well-ventilated area until the seeds rattle in the pods when shaken.
Here's a more detailed look at the process:
1. Harvesting the Bean Pods:
- Wait until the bean pods are completely dry and brown on the plant. The seeds inside should feel hard and loose within the pod. This indicates they are ready for harvest.
2. Drying the Bean Pods (Two Main Methods):
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Outdoor Drying (Weather Permitting): Spread the harvested pods in a single layer on a screen or clean cloth in a dry, sunny, and well-ventilated location. Turn the pods occasionally to ensure even drying. Protect them from rain and excessive moisture. This method relies on natural air circulation and sunlight.
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Indoor Drying (Humid or Wet Conditions): If the weather is consistently humid or wet, outdoor drying may not be effective. In this case, the best approach is to:
- Cut the entire plant at the base, or pull it up by the roots.
- Remove excess soil from the roots if you pulled the plant up.
- Hang the entire plant upside down in a well-ventilated indoor area. A garage, shed, or spare room works well. Ensure there's good air circulation to prevent mold growth.
3. Determining Dryness:
- Regardless of the drying method, the key indicator of properly dried bean seeds is when the seeds rattle inside the pods when you shake them. The pods should also be brittle and easily break open.
4. Threshing and Cleaning:
- Once the pods are dry, thresh them to release the seeds. This can be done by hand, by gently crushing the pods.
- Separate the seeds from the pod debris. You can use a winnowing technique (pouring the mixture from a height in a breeze) or screen to remove smaller particles.
- Inspect the seeds and discard any that are damaged, discolored, or show signs of mold.
5. Storage:
- Store the thoroughly dried and cleaned bean seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place. Properly stored bean seeds can remain viable for several years.
