Can I eat these lentils?

January 4, 2024 5:08 PM

I think I know, but since I have access to the experts, I might as well ask. I bought a package of Trader Joe's steamed lentils (the type you keep in the fridge) and accidentally threw them in the freezer. When I found them, I put them back in the fridge where they're now defrosted and waiting to go into a salad and stew--if they're safe. Is there something I'm missing here or can I eat the lentils? (Expiry date is months from now.)
posted by kingdead to Food & Drink (6 answers total)

I totally err on the side of food safety, and I don't see anything wrong with eating these. The texture may not be what you expect, but as long they didn't spend time outside the fridge and freezer, they're completely safe.
posted by mollweide at 5:13 PM on January 4 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Would totally eat. Bet they work better in the stew than the salad. (Possibly better than they would unfrozen, but I like my stewed lentils really stewed.)
posted by How much is that froggie in the window at 5:15 PM on January 4 [5 favorites]

I can't think of a food safety issue for freezing them instead of refrigerating them. The texture might not be the same anymore but it shouldn't be unsafe.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 5:21 PM on January 4 [2 favorites]

Unless there is a missing step in what you describe (like, "left it in the car trunk for a couple of days before bringing the package inside"), I can't think of any reason not to eat this and enjoy.
posted by Dip Flash at 5:27 PM on January 4

Best answer: As a general rule, it’s really never dangerous to freeze any food instead of refrigerating. It might wreck the texture but it won’t make you sick.
posted by mekily at 5:59 PM on January 4 [7 favorites]

Usually I find these questions horrifying and would not ever consider eating the item. But these lentil are totally fine. I've frozen small amounts of black beads to add to salads, when I've opened a can of beans and didn't want to eat them all at once, and the beans were fine, and the texture was fine.
posted by ice-cream forever at 6:29 PM on January 4