Packaging: This item is packed inside a Mylar bag and then that bag is put inside a 5-gallon pail. If your pail arrives "sucked in," this can be normal due to changes in elevation during transit. If this happens to your bucket simple open the seal to the lid to "reinflate" the pail, then put the lid back on. This will NOT shorten the shelf life of the product as it doesn't affect the Mylar bag and will still keep rodents out.

Shelf Life: Should be stored in cool dark place- optimum condition is 60 degrees or less- for longer storage. Storing properly in our enameled cans and Super pail buckets, product may store 25 years.

Directions: For overnight soaking, cover each cup of beans with 3 cups water and let stand overnight or 12 hours. For quicker results, add dry beans to boiling water boiling 2 minutes and let stand for 1 hour. In cooking, use same water. Cover and simmer slowly in water until beans are tender, about 2 hours. Add more water if necessary. Season with salt, pepper, onion, or garlic. Cooking tips: to keep skin from bursting, simmer gently and stir as little as possible. Add 1/8 tsp. baking soda per cup of beans to shorten cooking time in hard water. Do not add tomatoes, lemon juice, wine, or vinegar until beans are almost tender as they delay softening.

NOTICE: Due to product weight Free Shipping over $99 will not be applicable on this product.