How can I reuse or recycle … old beans?
Ahoy there, old bean, it seems I’m in a bit of a to-do regarding some expired dried pulses.
Half a pack of the old blighters, gone right orff or at least past their use-by doodah, jolly bad show.
Have a sneaking suspicion that there are a whole plentitude of purposes for the little chaps. Any conjectures?
Toodle pip!
(Photo by kris_b)
Kids would enjoy making string necklaces with them. Poke a needle through and thread them like beads. Remember doing this with pasta when you were a kid??
Depending on the kind:
Beanbags for tossing games.
Compost.
Considering these are actually seeds, they might be past the “official” expiry, but unless they’re crumbling they could still be ok.
Put them in a cotton bag and pop it in the microwave for a minute – instant heat pad.
They can also be used as weights or pressure shaped forms (lap pillows, toys). I’d recommend putting the beans in a pouch that’s removable so they don’t get washed and rot.
Use them when baking piecrust.
Make a rattle toy for a baby by filling a small container with beans.
Make small soft animals filled with beans.
Make art by layering different color beans in a clear glass container, or a jar.
Make art by gluing them on canvas or cardboard.
Plant them.
Try to powder them in a grinder and add this ingredient to a soup, or sauce. Cook this powder with milk or water and spices, and then spread on a toast.