How can I reuse or recycle … old beans?

Dried BeansAhoy there, old bean, it seems I’m in a bit of a to-do regarding some expired dried pulses.

Half a pack of the old blighters, gone right orff or at least past their use-by doodah, jolly bad show.

Have a sneaking suspicion that there are a whole plentitude of purposes for the little chaps. Any conjectures?

Toodle pip!

(Photo by kris_b)

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4 Responses to “How can I reuse or recycle … old beans?”


  1. dancing girl says:

    Kids would enjoy making string necklaces with them. Poke a needle through and thread them like beads. Remember doing this with pasta when you were a kid??

  2. Amanda Kerik says:

    Depending on the kind:

    Beanbags for tossing games.

    Compost.

    Considering these are actually seeds, they might be past the “official” expiry, but unless they’re crumbling they could still be ok.

    Put them in a cotton bag and pop it in the microwave for a minute – instant heat pad.

    They can also be used as weights or pressure shaped forms (lap pillows, toys). I’d recommend putting the beans in a pouch that’s removable so they don’t get washed and rot.

  3. Rúna Björg says:

    Use them when baking piecrust.

  4. Gulia says:

    Make a rattle toy for a baby by filling a small container with beans.

    Make small soft animals filled with beans.

    Make art by layering different color beans in a clear glass container, or a jar.

    Make art by gluing them on canvas or cardboard.

    Plant them.

    Try to powder them in a grinder and add this ingredient to a soup, or sauce. Cook this powder with milk or water and spices, and then spread on a toast.



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