How and where to store soybeans correctly?

The main feature of soy is its ability to quickly absorb moisture, even from the air. This nuance should be taken into account when storing it. The increased humidity of the air, even if the temperature regime is observed, will become the main reason for the onset of rotting of the grains.

The nuances of storing soybeans at home:

• before storing soybeans, it is necessary to sort out (damaged and split seeds will shorten the shelf life of all available soybeans);
• while sorting through soybeans, particles of debris may come across, which must also be removed (debris can become the main source of mold, which will gradually infect the seeds as well);
• if during the storage of soybeans, plaque or debris of unknown origin appeared on the seeds (provided that there were no such signs initially), then such a product should not be eaten;
• seeds with a damaged shell become moldy rather quickly, and it will not be possible to wash off the plaque, and the soybean will be affected not only from the outside, but also from the inside;
• soybeans are often damaged by fungal diseases, which shortens its shelf life (you can prevent the appearance of fungus only if you follow the necessary rules regarding air humidity when storing soybeans);
• if the soybean seeds are wet, then they cannot be stored (in addition, the seeds should not stick together);
• soy is considered a product without its own taste and smell, therefore, if the seeds begin to emit any odors, then this is a sign of spoilage or improper storage;
• it is not recommended to store soy near other food products (this can affect the moisture that the soy absorbs and change its taste);
• if soybeans were bought in a package, then after opening it, the seeds must be moved to a new sealed container;
• you can store soybeans in paper bags, cloth bags or in thick polyethylene (any containers that are prone to condensation are not recommended to be used);
• ideal places for storing soybeans are darkened shelves of the pantry, cabinets or balconies (the main thing is that the seeds are not exposed to direct rays of the sun, and there is no heat effect);
• during the storage of soybeans, you must not mix seeds that have been stored at home for some time and those that have been purchased recently (such an action can lead to a reduction in the shelf life and uneven preparation of soybeans during the cooking process).

If soybeans are cooked or bought in the form of okara (crushed and boiled seeds), then it should only be stored in the refrigerator. It is better to use foil as packaging, and the product itself can be placed not only on the shelves of the refrigerator, but also in the freezer. The shelf life in the freezer will be several months, and in the refrigerator – no longer than 10 days.

How much to store soybeans

The maximum shelf life of soybeans is 1 year. At the same time, the air humidity should not exceed 13%. Otherwise, the seeds will quickly deteriorate. It is rather difficult to create such conditions, therefore it is not recommended to store soybeans for a year. It is best to eat it gradually but quickly. In addition, the longer the soy is stored, the more rigid its structure becomes.

The ratio of moisture regime and shelf life of soybeans:

• at a moisture content of up to 14%, soybeans are stored for a year;
• at air humidity above 14%, soybeans can be stored for no longer than 3 months.

You can calculate the shelf life of soybeans with a simple math. The initial indicator should be taken as 14% of air humidity. If the level rises by 15%, then the shelf life is reduced by 1 month. If the humidity drops, then soybeans will be stored for 3 months longer.

Do not store soy seeds in the refrigerator or freeze them. Air humidity neither in the first nor in the second case will not correspond to the required indicators. In addition, soybeans are stored according to the principle of beans and peas, but special attention is paid to the moisture content of the environment.