How Do You Take The Gas Out Of Beans

You take the gas out of beans by using cooking methods that break down or dissolve the compounds responsible for flatulence.
 
Beans are packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, but they also contain oligosaccharides like raffinose and stachyose.
 
Your body can’t fully digest these complex sugars because it lacks the enzyme alpha-galactosidase.
 
So when those undigested sugars reach your large intestine, gut bacteria ferment them and produce gas.
 
The good news is you don’t have to give up beans to avoid the bloat.
 
You just need to know how to take the gas out of beans before you cook them.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through the best ways to take the gas out of beans, from soaking techniques to cooking tricks.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

Why You Need to Take the Gas Out of Beans

 
You need to take the gas out of beans because those oligosaccharides are water-soluble.
 
That means they can be leached out, broken down, or neutralized before the beans ever hit your plate.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to take the gas out of beans, the answer mostly comes down to preparation.
 
Traditional cultures have been taking the gas out of beans for centuries, long before anyone knew the science behind it.
 
They just knew that certain steps made beans easier on the stomach.
 
So if you want to take the gas out of beans, here’s what actually works.
 

1. The Long Soak Method

 
The simplest way to take the gas out of beans is to soak them overnight.
 
Cover dried beans with plenty of water and let them sit for 8 to 12 hours.
 
During this time, the oligosaccharides dissolve into the soaking water.
 
Then you drain that water and rinse the beans thoroughly before cooking.
 
This alone can take a significant amount of the gas out of beans.
 

2. The Quick Soak Method

 
If you forgot to soak overnight, you can still take the gas out of beans quickly.
 
Boil the beans for 2 to 3 minutes, then remove them from heat and let them sit covered for an hour.
 
Drain and rinse just like you would with the long soak.
 
It’s not quite as effective, but it still helps take the gas out of beans when you’re short on time.
 

3. Discard the Soaking Water

 
Never cook beans in the same water they soaked in.
 
That water is now loaded with the very sugars that cause gas.
 
Always drain and rinse before adding fresh water for cooking.
 
This one step is probably the most important when it comes to taking the gas out of beans.
 

Other Ways to Take the Gas Out of Beans

 
Beyond soaking, there are several other tricks to take the gas out of beans.
 
These methods work well on their own or combined with soaking.
 

1. Add Kombu or Seaweed

 
A piece of kombu seaweed added to the cooking pot can help take the gas out of beans.
 
Kombu contains enzymes that help break down the oligosaccharides.
 
Just toss a 2-inch strip into the pot while the beans cook.
 
Remove it before serving and you’re good to go.
 

2. Use Epazote

 
Epazote is a Mexican herb traditionally used to take the gas out of beans.
 
It’s often added to black beans and pinto beans during cooking.
 
Beyond its gas-reducing properties, epazote adds a unique earthy flavor.
 
If you can find it fresh or dried, it’s worth keeping on hand.
 

3. Cook Them Thoroughly

 
Undercooked beans are harder to digest, so cook them until they’re fully soft.
 
When beans are properly cooked, their starches are easier for your body to handle.
 
This doesn’t remove the oligosaccharides, but it does help take the gas out of beans by making them gentler on your system.
 

4. Try Canned Beans

 
Canned beans are already cooked and often have lower levels of gas-causing compounds.
 
Just drain and rinse them well before using.
 
Rinsing canned beans can take a good amount of the gas out of beans and reduce sodium too.
 

5. Use a Pressure Cooker

 
Pressure cooking is one of the most effective ways to take the gas out of beans.
 
The high heat and pressure break down the complex sugars more efficiently than regular boiling.
 
If you have an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, use it for beans whenever you can.
 

Does Beano Really Take the Gas Out of Beans?

 
Beano and similar products contain alpha-galactosidase, the enzyme your body lacks.
 
Taking it before a meal can help take the gas out of beans by breaking down those sugars before they reach your gut bacteria.
 
It’s a convenient backup if you’re eating beans away from home or didn’t have time to soak them.
 
That said, it’s a supplement, not a replacement for proper preparation.
 
The best approach is to combine good soaking habits with an enzyme supplement if you’re especially sensitive.
 

Start Slow When Adding Beans to Your Diet

 
Even after you take the gas out of beans, your gut needs time to adjust.
 
Start with small portions and gradually increase over a few weeks.
 
Your digestive system will adapt and produce less gas over time.
 
This is especially true if you’re new to eating beans regularly.
 

So, How Do You Take the Gas Out of Beans?

 
You take the gas out of beans by soaking them, draining the soaking water, and cooking them thoroughly with gas-reducing additions like kombu or epazote.
 
Beans don’t have to be a bloating nightmare.
 
With the right prep, you can take the gas out of beans and enjoy all their fiber, protein, and flavor without the discomfort.
 
So go ahead and make that pot of chili or black bean soup.
 
Your gut will thank you.