Product Highlight: Instant Beans

Shelf Reliance introduced their Thrive Instant Beans back in February at the same time that they introduced their Ice cream and Yogurt.  And I have to say, I was just as excited about the beans as I was for the two other tasty treats!

Photo Credit: cookbookman17's

My husband does not like beans, so I don't often use them.  But I am a HUGE fan, so this has been a bit problematic...  I've given up chilies and bean soups, but I like to have beans when I make nachos or burritos or fajitas etc.  I've tried canned beans, but I don't eat the whole can myself so this results in waste.  Plus, I'm not a huge fan of the taste and they are less nutritious than the dry beans.  But since dry beans take SO LONG to cook, I rarely make them.


Beans are a nutritional powerhouse.  In fact, they are found in two places on the USDA's Food Guide Pyramid – with high-protein foods, and also with vitamin-rich vegetables.  They provide protien, complex carbohydrates, and fiber.  They provide potassium, calcium and folate.  They are also cholesterol free, and low in fat! For these reasons, they are an excellent addition to your food storage.

However, beans can be problematic in your food storage or home store.  Dry beans take a significant amount of water, time, and fuel to make them edible. 

• First, you have to soak them in cold water for 8-10 hours or boiled water for 1 hour
• Then, you discard the soaking water 
• Next, add 3 cups water for every 1 cup of beans and bring it to a boil, then simmer for 1-3 hours adding more water as necessary.

That is a lot of water, time and fuel!  Those are three commodities that would be very precious in any type of real emergency situation.

Some people, aware of this issue, choose to store canned beans instead.  But canned beans do not contain all their original nutrients and do not have a very long shelf life.

So, enter Instant Beans!  Instant beans are similar to instant rice.  They have been parboiled and then dehydrated.  You have two options for making them edible, both of which take far less water, time and fuel than regular dry beans:

• Soak in cold water for 2-4 hours
• Add 2 cups water to every 1 cup beans, bring to a boil and then simmer for 10 minutes.

Simmer them just a few more minutes for great refried beans!

Personally, I love them b/c I am able to add tasty, nutrient rich beans to my meals in minutes without any waste!  They've saved my marriage!

If you'd like to try them, they are available through Shelf Reliance in three varieties:

• Instant Black Beans
• Instant Pinto Beans
• Instant Red Beans

 
I am an independent consultant for Shelf Reliance; a company with a mission to empower others to become self reliant, prosperous and charitable.  You can learn more about Shelf Reliance, becoming a Shelf Reliance consultant ,buying their products, or earning free products, on my Shelf Reliance Consultant website.