How to Blanch and Freeze Fresh Green Beans

Green beans freeze well.

Green beans are a tasty vegetable. You can serve them alone or in salads, casseroles or other dishes. They also contain thiamine, iron and vitamin A, according to the Washington State University Skagit County Extension. Freezing green beans is a great way to enjoy them when fresh ones are not available. Choosing fresh tender green pods and then blanching them helps maintain quality during freezing. Blanching, or boiling, green beans for a short time helps minimize the loss of flavor, texture and nutrients during freezing.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Blanching pot
• Large bowl
• Freezer bags or containers

1. Clean green beans by rinsing them under cold running water.

2. Remove the ends of the beans. Cut beans to desired length.

3. Bring a blanching pot of water to a boil. Add 4 tsp. salt per gallon of water, if desired.

4. Place green beans in the blanching basket, cover and continue to boil for three minutes.

5. Remove green beans from the pot and place in a bowl of ice water to cool for three minutes. Drain.

6. Place green beans in freezer bags or freezer containers. Seal tightly, removing as much air as possible. To help keep the green beans from sticking together during freezing, you can spread them out in a single layer on a cookie sheet and freeze for five hours before placing them in a freezer bag or container.

7. Label the freezer bag or container with "green beans" and the date. Store in freezer.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a wire basket and a large pot if you do not have a blanching pot.

References

• For a Fresh Taste of Summer Year Round Try Freezing  Produce; June 2004
• National Center for Home Food Preservation: Freezing Green Beans
• Washington State University Skagit County Extension: Green Beans

Resources

• National Center for Home Food Preservation