All About Brown lentils
Your complete guide to brown lentils - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Brown lentils Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for brown lentils in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
dry, opened pantry (airtight container)6-12 months for optimal quality, safe indefinitely
Signs of Spoilage
Same as unopened: presence of pantry pests (weevils, moths, larvae, webbing), significant discoloration, musty or moldy smell, dampness or clumping.
How to Check
Visual: Examine the lentils for any signs of pests, webbing, or larvae. Check for signs of moisture like clumping or visible mold spots. Smell: Inhale for any musty, sour, or off-odors. Good lentils should smell mildly earthy.
Storage Tips
After opening, immediately transfer the lentils to an airtight container (e.g., glass jar, heavy-duty plastic container) to protect them from moisture, pantry pests, and absorbing other odors. Store in a cool, dark, dry pantry.
cooked, freezer3-6 months for best quality, safe indefinitely
Signs of Spoilage
Excessive freezer burn (dry, shriveled, or discolored areas), strong off-flavors after thawing (though less common for lentils), unusual odor upon thawing. While safe for a very long time, quality (texture) may degrade beyond 6 months.
How to Check
Visual: Check for large amounts of ice crystals or dry, discolored spots which indicate freezer burn. Smell: After thawing, smell for any rancid or off-odors. Texture: Upon thawing, if the texture is excessively mushy or grainy, the quality has suffered.
Storage Tips
Cool cooked lentils completely before freezing. Store in freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, pressing out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or add directly to hot dishes.
cooked, refrigerator3-4 days
Signs of Spoilage
Sour, fermented, or otherwise unpleasant smell; slimy or sticky texture; visible mold (white, green, or black fuzzy spots); significant discoloration (e.g., unusually dark or patchy).
How to Check
Smell: This is the primary indicator. A strong, sour, or 'off' smell means the lentils have spoiled. Visual: Look for any signs of mold growth or unusual discoloration. Touch: If the lentils feel slimy or sticky to the touch, they are no longer safe to eat.
Storage Tips
Cool cooked lentils quickly and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Store in a shallow, airtight container to promote even cooling and prevent the absorption of other food odors. Do not leave cooked lentils at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
dry, unopened pantry1-2 years for optimal quality, safe indefinitely
Signs of Spoilage
Presence of pantry pests (weevils, moths, larvae, webbing), extreme discoloration (e.g., faded or dark spots), musty or moldy smell, dampness or clumping indicating moisture absorption.
How to Check
Visual: Inspect the packaging and lentils for any signs of insects, webbing, or larvae. Look for unusual discoloration or clumping. Smell: Sniff the package for any musty, sour, or chemical odors. Good dry lentils should have a mild, earthy aroma.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dark, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. While safe indefinitely if kept dry, their cooking quality (e.g., longer cooking time, firmer texture) may diminish after 2 years.