Q: To add protein to my almost meatless diet, I add about ¼ cup canned chickpeas to my salad. How long can I keep them in the refrigerator once I open a can? Should I store them rinsed and drained, or with the liquid from the can?

A: That’s a great way to add more oomph to a salad, and you wouldn’t want to waste the beans. First, don’t store them in the opened can. Remove the leftover beans, rinse and drain them. Put them in a plastic airtight container and drizzle them with a little olive oil to keep them moist. They’ll keep about five days in the refrigerator that way.

If you need to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Add a little water to prevent drying and freezer burn. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before using. That also works for beans you from scratch.