Soak Dry Beans To Get Health Benefits
Soak Dry Beans To Get Health Benefits
By Ranita Ray
Are you unsure whether to soak dry beans before cooking? It depends on the beans you use. Firm, dry ones, take longer to cook. They soften by sitting overnight in water. Soaking dry beans has additional health benefits.
3 Ways To Soak
Dry beans can be soaked in one of three ways: briefly (1-2 hours), in hot water, or overnight. Time and preference determine the method.
Improves Texture
Naturally, dried hard beans tend to lose more moisture when stored incorrectly or for an extended period. Soaking dried beans before cooking improves their texture.
Softens Beans
Many dried beans are inherently too hard to be used. This is why people soak beans, especially hot soak. Without damping, they don't boil. It makes dried beans softer.
Aids Digestion
Unsoaked dried beans have difficult-to-digest oligosaccharides. In the big intestine, helpful bacteria break them down but cause gas. Soaking beans improves digestibility and prevents flatulence.
Removes Oligosaccharides
Soaking beans removes some oligosaccharides. After immersing beans overnight, 75% to 90% of the oligosaccharides dissolve into the water, which can be discarded.
Saves Energy
Dry beans like kidney, pinto, navy beans and great northern beans take longer to prepare. Soaking makes them more absorbent. It saves fuel and cooks faster.
