Store beans in a well-sealed container at room temperature; they should keep for up to a year. Be aware, though, that older beans will take longer to cook. Do not mix a new supply of beans with older ones; the mixture of old and new stock will cook unevenly.

Store any leftover cooked beans in tightly closed containers in the refrigerator, where they will keep for three to four days. You can also freeze the beans; they will keep for several months. To freeze the beans, spread them out on a baking sheet until they are frozen, then place them in a tightly closed container. This way the beans will not freeze in a clump and you can use them a bit at a time.