How to Store Soybean Sprouts (includes soy sauce)

Soybean sprouts contain valuable nutrients, which is why they are used extensively in eastern countries. However, to enjoy them at their best, you must learn how to keep the soybean sprouts fresh.

It is possible to keep soybean sprouts in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days. To extend the duration, you can freeze soy for six months or apply recipes such as pickled or brine soybeans, which have an average lifespan of one year.

Store Soybean Sprouts

To learn in detail how to properly preserve soybeans, read on. 

How to store soybean sprouts in the fridge

Soybean sprouts obtained at home or supermarket leftovers can be kept in the fridge, as the cold will prevent them from rotting quickly.

To preserve soy in the refrigerator properly, you must follow the following steps:

  • Step 1. Wash the soy.

Rinse the sprouts with enough water, and place them on a colander to remove excess water.

  • Step 2. Keep drying.

On paper towels, you should place the sprouts and cover to eliminate any trace of water that may remain in it.

  • Step 3. Place it in a container or bag.

Once the soybean is completely dry, you will place it in a bag or plastic container, ensuring an airtight closure.

  • Step 4. Store in the fridge.

Finally, locate the plastic bag or container with the soybeans at the bottom of the fridge.

By following these steps, you may be able to keep soy sprouts in the fridge for a week without problems.

How to freeze soybean sprouts

Is it possible to freeze soybeans? Reality shows us that it is possible to freeze soybean sprouts for up to half a year if you follow the steps that guarantee good quality during storage.

The process of freezing soybeans sprouts is simple; you just need to follow the steps that I will set out below:

  • Step 1. Wash the sprouts.

Before freezing the soybeans sprouts, you must wash them with plenty of water. This process is before the blanching process.

  • Step 2. Blanching.

Once washed, in a pot, place enough water on the fire and let it boil. The soybean should be scalded for about 5 minutes.

  • Step 3. Rinse with cold water.

Once you remove the sprout from boiling, place them in a bowl with cold water (with ice) to stop the cooking process.

  • Step 4. Remove the excess water.

When the sprouts are cold, remove them from the bowl and place them on paper towels. Next, remove the excess water using more paper towels until they are thoroughly dried.

  • Step 5. Pre-frozen.

Spread the soy on a baking sheet, separate from each other, and pre-freeze for a few minutes. The goal is to get soybean sprouts to harden a bit.

  • Step 6. Transfer to an airtight container.

After freezing, you must transfer the sprouts to an airtight container. For reasons of space, it is recommended to use plastic bags with airtight closure or ziplock.

At this point, with a vacuum sealer machine, you can improve the quality of soybean sprouts over time.

  • Step 7. Label the container.

As freezing is a long-term storage process, the best thing you can do is to place a label with the date indicating the start of the process.

  • Step 8. Store in the freezer.

Introduce the container with your sprouts in the freezer. They will stay better at the bottom where the temperature is more stable but beware, many times, they are forgotten.

Storing frozen soybeans will guarantee a maximum duration of 6 months as long as you have followed the steps below to the letter. [1]

Preserve soybeans in pickles

This method changes the taste of soy sprouts, making it a food preservation recipe. Compared to the others, one of the strengths of this method, in addition to its exquisite flavor, is that it allows you to store soy sprouts longer without freezing.

For this recipe, you will need:

  1. Water
  2. White wine vinegar
  3. Salt
  4. Sugar
  5. Soybean Sprouts

The process is simple, so here are the steps you need to follow:

  • Step 1. Washing.

Wash the sprouts and then leave them in a bowl with a bit of salt so that they will release their own juice.

  • Step 2. Preparation of the mixture.

In a pot, add enough water to fill the jar you will use to pickle, which is usually one cup of water. Next, add 1/3 cup of white wine vinegar, spices to taste, two tablespoons of sugar, and one and a half tablespoons of salt, and let it boil.

  • Step 3. Add the sprouts.

When the sprouts have released enough water, add them to a glass jar.

  • Step 4. Cover with the mixture.

With the mixture still hot, add the mixture until you cover the sprouts and close it tightly.

  • Step 5. Label the container.

You must stick a label with the storage date or write it in the jar directly.

  • Step 6. Store in the fridge.

Once the jar is cold, store it in the fridge. The acidic environment makes it a complex product to contaminate by pathogens, so by keeping pickled soy sprouts in the refrigerator, it can easily last a year. [2]

Preserve soy sauce

Have you ever wondered how you should preserve soy sauce? Indeed, many have doubts about whether or not it should be refrigerated or if it spoils quickly.

The truth about soy sauce is that you should read the manufacturer’s instructions to know if it is necessary to keep it in the fridge or not. But, in general, this doesn’t need to be refrigerated.

However, if the pantry is too hot, it may alter the sauce’s flavor, so that the fridge may be a wise option.

Once you open the soy sauce container, if the closure is poor, it is advisable to prolong its duration and preserve its flavor and properties by transferring the sauce to a container that closes tightly.

How do you know if soy is damaged?

Soybean sprouts are damaged or spoiled when their texture is very soft, or they may even smell musty. 

Another aspect that you can consider is the color. For example, you should not consume them if the sprouts are very dark (but pickled). 

How long does soy last?

ProductDuration
Soybean sprouts in the fridge5-7 days.
Frozen soybean sprouts6 months.
Pickled soybean sprouts1 year or more.
Soy Sauce (Unopened)More than 2 years.
Soy Sauce (Opened)From 6 months to 1 year

What is the best method of preserving soybeans?

When stored in the fridge, soybean sprouts can retain their consistency and be crispy, but the duration will not be very long.

However, pickle is the best alternative when it is intended to preserve soy for a long time and guarantee a crunchy texture.

You already know the most feasible methods to preserve soybean sprouts. However, you can continue exploring the post if you are interested in learning about the conservation of other types of products, fruits, vegetables, and more. 


[1] https://vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/bitstream/handle/10919/88345/348-596%28FST-304NP%29.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

[2] https://mospace.umsystem.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/10355/67561/HowtoPickle.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

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