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Buying & Storing Pulses

Pulses can be found in any major grocery store. Look for “Product of Canada” on the package labels; if a pulse product in a major retailer is labelled “Product of Canada”, the product is likely grown on the Canadian prairies.

Canned Pulses

Buying  & Preparing Canned Pulses

Canned pulses are convenient as they are pre-cooked and ready to use. Look for canned pulses in the canned foods, canned beans or canned protein/fish sections of the store.

  • Always drain and rinse well before use.
  • Drain and rinse regular canned pulses to reduce the sodium content by 40% or try No Salt Added canned pulses.
  • A 19 oz (540 mL) can of pulses drained is equal to 2 cups (500 mL) of cooked pulses.
  • A 14 oz (398 mL) can of pulses drained is  equal to 1 1/4 cup (300 mL) of cooked pulses.

CANNED BEAN PREPARATION

Storing Canned or cooked Pulses

  • Unopened canned pulses store well in a cool, dry place for up to one year or until the best  before date on the can.
  • Opened, drained and rinsed canned pulses can be stored:
    • in the refrigerator for 1 to 3 days in airtight containers.
    • in the freezer for up to 6 months in airtight containers or freezer bags.

How to store cooked beans

Freezing Leftover Canned or cooked Pulses

  • Lightly pat dry to remove some surface moisture;
  • Measure out into 1 or 2 cup (250 or 500 mL) portions into airtight containers or lay flat in plastic freezer bags.

Dry Pulses

Buying Dry Pulses

Look for dry pulses in the canned foods, rice, dried grains, bulk or  ethnic food sections of your grocery store. 

When buying dry pulses, look for:

  • Uniform size;
  • Brightly coloured seeds;
  • Smooth skins without chips or shriveled coats.

Storing Dry Pulses

  • Store in a tightly covered container in a cool, dry place.
  • If exposed to light, pulses tend to lose their colour but flavour, nutrition and texture will not be affected as long as they are tightly sealed.
  • It is best to use dry pulses within one year of purchase
  • The longer pulses are stored, the drier they become.  This means they may take longer to cook and remain slightly chewy after cooking.