55 Gallon Drum of Beans

Last Updated on July 17th, 2023

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Rice and beans are some of the cheapest ingredients you can get. They are used in many cultures to serve as a base for meals. If you fill up on beans and rice, then it makes your protein last longer. This makes it a good solution for when you can’t afford a lot.

There are also many different types of beans:

  • Garbanzo
  • Kidney
  • Black
  • Pink
  • Soy
  • and many others.
Different kinds of beans sorted - 55 Gallon Drum of Beans

If you’re looking to stock up on foods, then beans are a great place to start because they’re small and easy to pack away. Beans also come dried, so you don’t have to worry about drying them beforehand.

 

How Many Beans Fit into a 55 Gallon Drum?

It depends on the type of beans you are trying to fit into the drum. If you’re using a large bean, like green beans, then you can fit about 91.63 lbs worth of beans. If you use small beans like the white navy or mung bean, you can fit up to 412.5 lbs. 

The good news is that most beans are around the size of a Garbanzo bean. 

This means that if you want to know how many beans to buy without doing all the math, you should get around 366.63 lbs worth of beans. Of course, you might need a little less, but more beans never hurt anyway.

 

For How Long Can Beans Stay inside of a 55 Gallon Drum?

It’s very important that you only pack dried beans in your drum. Dried beans technically never go bad, but unfortunately, after 4 or 5 years, the taste of the beans starts to change. Fortunately, though, there is a way to make your beans stay good for longer. 

  1. Buy a drum that will be airtight when it’s sealed.
  2. Vacuum seal the beans in Mylar bags before packing them in the drum.
  3. Add oxygen absorbers.

 

These tips can make your beans last for up to 30 years! Once those years are up, though, they start tasting different. So if you can handle that, then keeping beans will pay off in the long run.

 

When is the Best Time to Store Beans in a 55 Gallon Drum?

Any time is the best time for storing beans as long as you’re storing them correctly. In addition, you will want to ensure that your beans don’t get any moisture while packaging. 

Studies also show that beans last longer if stored in a room that’s 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Of course, you’ll want to ensure that no light can shine on the beans.

 

What Type of a Drum Should You Get for Storing Beans?

You should be looking for airtight metal drums. If you get a drum that is not airtight, it risks moisture, oxygen, and insects getting inside and ruining your goods. If you’re in a situation where you’re struggling to get food, then losing a whole drum’s worth is a big hit.

Metal drums can carry more weight than plastic ones. They’re also naturally more durable and can protect whatever’s inside from damage. 

You may be worried about the beans smelling metallic afterward, but a good rinsing before rehydrating will quickly eliminate that smell.

 

What Do You Need to Look Out for When You’re Storing Beans in a 55 Gallon Drum?

You’re going to want to examine your beans before you pack them into a drum. If you see tiny holes in the beans, that could be an indicator of weevil eggs. 

Although there are methods of storage that kill eggs, I would throw them away anyway. Better safe than sorry if you ask me.

Another thing to look out for is any dents or holes in your packaging containers. 

For example, you can’t vacuum seal a bag with holes in it, and you can’t have an airtight seal on a drum that is punctured. You also want to make sure that all your items are brand new.

 

Final Thoughts on 55 Gallon Drum of Beans

Beans can be used as a base for meals so that you can use smaller portions of proteins. This can make the proteins last longer. Most beans are roughly the same size, meaning you can fit around 366.63 lbs worth of beans in a 55-gallon drum.

When doing this, be sure to use dried beans. Vacuum sealing bags, oxygen absorbers, and an airtight metal drum to preserve the beans for up to 30 years. Be sure that all of your items are brand new and that none have holes. 

You can store them at any time of year so long as they don’t get moisture in the packaging and are away from light. Remember, beans stay good for longer if kept in a room that is 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

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