How long before soaked food goes off?

[cormie]

Hi, may have timed my arrangements a bit badly. I soaked a load of chickpeas and buckwheat thinking I was going to have time to work with them about 3 nights ago. They've been in the same soak water since and I'm not sure if they are safe to consume anymore? I didn't re-rinse them or anything like that so they've been sitting in the fridge in water for about 3/4 (possibly even 5? I forget..) days straight now. I hate wasting food, but don't want to risk eating it if it's off.

Any ideas on if it's safe to continue and if not, what could I do with the food?

[DebB]

Boy... I don't like to waste food either, but given that they've been actually 'soaking' for perhaps 5 days, I don't think I'd keep them.

Better to start fresh in my opinion. When I'm soaking something that only needs to soak overnight, I leave it out. The only time I put it in the fridge is if it has to soak a day or so, which I do sometimes with almonds.

I'm not sure if they would even sprout now to be honest... I would discard or compost these to be on the safe side.

[cormie]

Damn, I'll have to be more careful in future :( At least I did manage to make some hummous with the chickpeas before it was too late, the buckwheat I was going to drain and dry, it'll be Monday evening before I can do anything with any of it now anyway so I guess that's DEFINITELY too late if now is questionable?

[verbena]

Buckwheat doesn't need to be soaked for very long, I normally do it for around and hour. being in water for days on end will drown the seeds and they will not sprout

[cormie]

Looks like they are all destined for the compost bin I guess. Sprouting wasn't even the plan but I guess after almost a week it's compost time :(

[cormie]

Compost bin got a good feed :( Just another question, is it ok to cover a container that something is being soaked in? My aim isn't to sprout, just to soak for the minimum amount of time and just wondering shoul the container be open in the fridge or can it be sealed with an airtight lid?