Plus, get tips on how to prep, blanch, and store.
Can you freeze fresh green beans?
You bet it’s possible for you to.
Credit:Jason Donnelly
Plus, frozengreen beansare a convenient and flavorful addition to many recipes.
(Try ‘em in cozygreen bean casseroles, soul-warming stews,stir-fries, and more.)
Then, working with a small handful of green beans at a time, line up the stem ends.
Credit:Jason Donnelly
Using a sharp chef’s knife, slice off the stems.
Repeat with remaining green beans.
If you want, you could also trim off the tapered tail ends.
Credit:Jason Donnelly
If the beans you’re using have this string, be sure to remove it from each bean.
So why blanch green beans before freezing, when you could just freeze them fresh?
This quick extra step will help the beans keep their color and flavor while in your freezer.
Credit:Jason Donnelly
Bring a large pot of water to boiling.
Allow 1 gallon of water per pound of green beans.
Working in batches, carefully lower the green beans into the boiling water.
Credit:Jason Donnelly
Boil small beans for 2 minutes, medium beans for 3 minutes, and large beans for 4 minutes.
Cool the beans quickly by plunging them into ice water.
After the beans have cooled, drain them from the ice water.
So can you freeze cooked green beans?
Shake each package to compact the beans.
Add more beans, leaving 12-inch headspace if using a jar.
Wipe the rims and storage packages dry before officially freezing fresh green beans.
If necessary, use freezer tape around the lid edges for a tight seal.
Test Kitchen Tip:Allow 112 to 212 pounds of green beans per quart container.
Lay bags flat; add bags or containers to your freezer in batches to double-check they freeze quickly.
Leave some space near bags or containers so air can circulate around them.
Struggling to find space?
Try these geniusrefrigerator and freezer organization ideas.
When frozen solid, the bags or containers can be placed closer together.
For the best flavor, use your frozen green beans within8 months of freezing.
Casseroles and soups are common uses for frozen green beans.
Toss them into aGreen Bean and Mushroom Skillet.
