Can three or four-year-old soybeans still be eaten? How to deal with spoiled soybeans

Soybeans are rich in protein, unsaturated fatty acids and soy lecithin, and can be processed into tofu, soy milk and other soy products. If the soybeans are not eaten up and have been stored for many years, can they be eaten as usual? This depends on whether they are spoiled or have worms. Let's take a closer look.

Can three or four year old soybeans still be eaten?

It is recommended not to eat it anymore. Generally speaking, the shelf life of soybeans is one to two years.

The best way to identify whether soybeans are edible:

The first thing is to check whether there are bugs. If there are many bugs, it means that the soybeans have been stored for a long time. Also, check whether the cortex is severely cracked. If there are many cracks on the skin like fried soybeans, it means that the soybeans have been stored for a long time.

The second is to smell it. Grab a handful of soybeans and smell them. If there is a musty smell, it means they have been stored for a long time.

The above types of soybeans are not edible.

How to deal with spoiled soybeans

Soybeans that have been stored for a long time and cannot be eaten are very good fertilizers. They can be fermented to become very good fertilizers, which are very good for growing flowers and vegetables.

There are two ways. One is to fry it in a wok, and then put a few grains directly into the soil in the pot as base fertilizer. The other is to cook it, put it in a plastic bottle, and then put some brown sugar vinegar in it to promote fermentation.

Generally, it takes one or two months in summer and three or four months in winter for the fermentation to be completed. You can take the liquid above and add water to water it, or use the sediment below as base fertilizer.

How to tell if soybeans are bad

In rural areas or at home, the method to test whether soybeans are edible is: first look, second smell, and third soak.

At first glance, check whether the soybean skin is shiny, whether it is damp or moldy. If it is shiny, it can be eaten.

Second, smell the dry soybeans to see if they have a musty smell.

Third, soak. After soaking in water, smell whether there is a fishy smell of fresh soybeans. If there is, it can be eaten. Then rub it gently with your hands. If the two cloves separate but do not easily become crumbs, it can be eaten. If the soybeans turn into soft crumbs and paste when rubbed lightly, they are moldy and cannot be eaten.