You’re probably thinking, “But they smell fine!” Oh, sweet summer child. The bacteria that cause food poisoning are often odorless and colorless. You could sniff a container of lethal beans and think, “Mmm, earthy.” Then, two hours later, you’re hugging the toilet.
I learned this the hard way with a batch of pinto beans. They looked perfect, smelled like dinner, but gave me a 24-hour gut rebellion. So, please: ignore your nose and trust the calendar.
What does spoilage actually look like? Look for slimy liquid, a sour smell (different from earthy), or any fuzzy growth. If you see fuzz, do not scrape it off—the mold roots go deep into the beans. Throw the whole container out with dramatic flair.
