Beans ..if stored where they can be exposed to moisture or on the shelf for an extended period of time..can't be re-constituted no matter what you do! Sorry.

I've had this happen before. The only way I've been able to solve it is to cook the beans in a pressure pan first, then use in the recipe. This way they willl get soft.

They're in a bag altogether on the shelf with the other dry beans at the grocery, and it's called "15 Bean Soup".
Kinda small bag, but 1 bag fills my 7qt. cooker when cooked and the beans have a small ham flavor seasoning packet included. Cost maybe $2-3, but it's good. I've also never had a problem with them cooking! :)

Forgot to add it's 15 different kinds of beans and then lots of them to fill a 1-2lb. bag. :)

Yes beans have a shelf life if not preserved properly. Mine are stored in #10 cans with an oxy pack to extend the life. They are supposed to be good for up to 30 years this way. I have used my dry beans in my wheat grinder. Be sure it can handle it first! This adds a little extra protein and fiber to your baking without changing the texture or taste!

Ok, now I have to go soak some beans as I am hungry for them. We live at a high altitude, 7300 ft, so I had to learn how to cook food all over again. It will take longer for my beans as water boils at a lower temp here.

when they are old they take longer to cook but dried beans can't go bad. Remember peas porrage hot peas porrage cold peas porrage in the pot 9 days old. the peas they are speaking of were dried beans so somethimes they take a LOOOOOOOOGGGGGGGGGGG time to cook.

pressure cooker!

Hard water will cause the beans to still rattle in the pot, Edttleble sp? You can still eat them but they will be hard. Sulfer in the water, ground water other thing, We were unable to drink the water, I smilled when you took a bath. We halled water from town to cook with and to drink. Sad but tru. Theresse

I fix beans and ham fairly often. I would say with yours, to put them in a large pan, be sure there is plenty of water on them, or your sauce you mentioned, and let them cook oh "med.high-high." This will get the temp. up and they should cook for about 2-3 hrs. and be cooked.
I would check them fairly often to be sure they are cooking okay.
Good luck!
Mariah.