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How to Refrigerate Mexican Jumping Beans

Mexican jumping beans are not actually beans, but are seed capsules from the Sebastiana pavoiana shrub that is native to Mexico. The larva of a small moth, Laspeyresia saltitans, live inside the seed until maturity and it is their movements that make the seeds appear to jump. Due to the natural life cycle of the moth, Mexican jumping beans can only be found from July through April, and can be extremely scarce in years when growing conditions for the shrub are poor.

Things You'll Need

Small paper bag or covered dish
Spray bottle
Non-chlorinated water

Instructions

- 1
  Make sure any inactive jumping beans are still alive. If you hear a clicking sound when you shake them, this means the larva has died and the bean should be thrown out.
- 2
  Place your Mexican jumping beans in a small paper bag or covered dish. Put them in the refrigerator overnight or longer if you are not using them. Darkness and cool temperatures keep the moths dormant and inactive. They will jump again as they are exposed to light and warm up.
- 3
  Mist your jumping beans with non-chlorinated water once a month before refrigerating. Hydration will help extend their life inside the seed.

Insects & Science