By the Penny: Black Beans ($.30 per Can)

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 Black Beans ($.30 per Can)

Beans are so cheap to purchase by the can that people don’t think about how much they would save if they do a little bit of work and cook dried beans.  Let’s look at how difficult it is to do, what time is involved, and how much you could save.  


Here are the basic steps: 


Crockpot: 


Step 1- Pick through and rinse the beans.  This will remove any dirt left on them and you can get rid of the broken or damaged beans. 

Step 2- Place beans in the crockpot and cover with water.  The water should be about 3-4 inches above the beans.  

Step 3-  Cook beans on low for 16 hours.  I usually cook beans overnight.  

Stove Top 


Step 1- Pick through and rinse the beans.  This will remove any dirt left on them and you can get rid of the broken or damaged beans. 


Step 2- Soak for 4-6 hours or overnight.  


Step 3- Place in pot and cover with about 3-4 inches of water above the beans.  Bring to a rolling boil and boil for 45 minutes to an hour.  Check frequently to make sure that there is always water in the pot.  Add more if necessary. 



After cooking the beans, I package them in 1-cup packages and place them in the freezer until I need them.  This is the amount of beans you get from 1 can of beans.  


~ Savings ~


Cost Breakdown:


Strategic Shopping

1lb Bag of Black Beans= $1.49

Water= FREE

Total Recipe Cost= $1.39

Cost per 2 Cup Serving (5 portions)=  $0.30


Regular Shopping 

1lb Bag of Black Beans = $1.99

Water= FREE

Total Recipe Cost= $1.99

Cost per 2 Cup Serving (5 portions)= $0.40



The Contender: 


Bush's Black Beans (15 oz can)= $1.59

Generic Black Beans (15 oz can) = $0.79


Savings:

Strategic Shopping= 75%= 81%

Regular Shopping= 49%-62%


"Over a Year" Scenario:


Strategic Shopping 

1 Can of Black Beans per week = 52 X .30= $15.60

Use equivalent Bush's Beans (15 oz)= $1.59 x 52=$82.68

Use equivalent Generic Beans (15 oz)= $.79  x 52=$41.80


*Money Saved = $25.48-$67.00


Regular Shopping 

1 Can of Black Beans per week= 52 X .40= $20.80

Use equivalent Bush's Beans (15 oz)= $1.59 x 52=$82.68

Use equivalent Generic Beans (15 oz)= $.79  x 52=$41.80


*Money Saved = $21.00- $61.88

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