Directions for cooking: soak: dry beans may be soaked to reduce cooking time. If soaking is desired, use one of these methods. Overnight soak: place beans in large deep pot. Add enough water to cover beans by 2 inches. Let soak overnight or at least 6 to 8 hours. Quick soak: place beans in large deep pot. Add enough water to cover beans by 2 inches. Bring to a boil; boil 2 minutes. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 1 hours. For areas of the country with hard water, please add 1/8 teaspoon baking soda per pound of beans or use bottled water for cooking as hard water may lengthen the cooking time. Dry vegetables are a natural food and should be cleaned like any other vegetable. Sort out any unwanted material and rinse well.