Pinto Beans are a great source of fiber and potassium. Combine with brown rice and ham hocks and you have a high protein, fiber rich meal. If you like variety, consider soaking, cooking and frying these beans for Mexican Refried Beans. Cooking Tip: Let the beans soak overnight. Soaking softens the beans and often reduces the amount of gas producing agents! After soaking, rinse the beans in fresh water, place them in a pot and cover them with two inches of water. Bring it to a boil and then simmer for 1.5-2 hours. As the beans cook you can add jalapenos, garlic, onion or other savories to taste! Storage Advantage: This product is packaged in a poly bucket which is flushed with Nitrogen. Storing your food in a cool and dry environment along with nitrogen packing insures living organisms can't survive and provides maximum shelf life. Oxygen absorbers are helpful but they can only absorb a set amount of oxygen before the absorbing chemical expires. Nitrogen will remain in the bucket until it is emptied.