PRESERVE THE HARVEST SERIES: LET’S TALK GREEN BEANS
Preserve the Harvest Series presents a new fruit or vegetable every Tuesday with the goal of helping you get the most out of fresh fruits and vegetables harvested during peak season. Whether you grow your own fruits and vegetables, buy them at the Farmer’s Market or your local grocery store, it is good to remember the best time to preserve your bounty is when it is plentiful. Preserving the harvest stocks your pantry shelves and freezer with whole foods that you can feel good about, foods that taste great, and this approach saves you money. A sane approach to sustainability! Next up…How to Freeze Green Beans.
LET’S TALK GREEN BEANS
WHEN TO BUY GREEN BEANS
Green beans can be purchased almost any time of year but the best time to buy them is when they are in peak season in your area. That could range from anywhere between mid May through October all depending on the climate. Cooler areas will see beans peak later, while warmer climates like sunny southern California could see beans almost all year long.
WHERE TO BUY GREEN BEANS
When buying green beans, just like any other fruit or vegetable it is always best to buy local when you can to get the freshest product available. Buying from your local farmer may not mean you always get the prettiest, but if taste is what you’re after, you can be sure they will have the best flavor. If you live in urban areas check out the Farmers Market, natural produce store or the organic section in your local grocery store. Most local grocers are now carrying organic produce. When the price is within reason, this is a great choice.
HOW TO CHOOSE GREEN BEANS
When buying green beans it is best to buy those that are loose rather than already prepackaged. This gives you the option of picking out the freshest available. The pods should be bright green, crisp and without blemishes. Avoid wilted pods as they have been sitting too long. Beans come in different sizes depending on variety. Choose beans that are not overly large for the variety, the larger beans may have grown too long and could be tough and stringy.
STORING GREEN BEANS FOR THE FRESHEST FLAVOR
Use green beans as soon as you can to optimize flavor and nutrients. If you won’t be using the beans right away, store them unwashed in a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wash before using.
HOW TO FREEZE GREEN BEANS
Green Beans require blanching, a high heat process that kills enzymes that cause the breakdown of sugar to starch. The breakdown is generally what causes the loss of flavor and texture in vegetables and fruits. There are several methods that can be used for blanching, but I prefer steaming when possible. This method stops the enzyme activity while still leaving much of the nutritional value of the food intact. Steaming is also one of the easiest methods without a lot of mess to clean up. Simple and effective works for me!
- Green Beans, washed stems removed and prepared as desired
- Ice
- Prepare ice bath for green Beans. Fill sink with ice and add cold water. Important to plunge green beans into ice bath after allotted steam time to stop the cooking process.
- Place green beans into steamer basket for large pan.
- Place about 1 -2 inches of water in large pan and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer, place steamer basket filled with green beans into pan, cover with lid and set timer for 3 minutes.
- Once timer goes off, immediately remove green beans from pan, pour into colander and plunge into ice bath.
- Allow to cool for several minutes, remove from ice water bath, drain and shake to remove excess water.
- Place on flat baking sheets lined with parchment or wax paper, careful to keep the green beans from touching. Place in the coldest part of freezer until frozen solid. (about 1 hour).
- Once frozen, remove from freezer, place into heavy duty freezer bags or vacuum seal, as desired.
- Date and label. Will keep for up to 1 year.
How to Freeze Green Beans shared with:
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We chose to freeze our green beans this year instead of canning them. It was so much simpler! Thanks for linking up to Gingerly Made!
Ginger recently posted…Carrot Soup
I agree. I like the taste of frozen green beans better too. Thanks for stopping by.
Blessings,
Shari
We had such an awesome garden last year and I froze so many green beans this way. We wasn’t able to have one this year though and I sure do hate it. Thanks, Shari, for sharing your post with us at the Teach Me Tuesday Linky Party!
Adrian recently posted…Merry Monday Link Party #20
My green beans are still going strong. I wont have a shortage in the freezer this year, that’s for sure. Always a pleasure. Thanks for stopping by.
Blessings,
Shari
I did not get to plant green beans this year but this will be so useful next year because I definitely want to freeze them.
Pinning and thanks for sharing on Merry Monday!
Rachel recently posted…Merry Monday Linky Party #20
Thanks Rachel for stopping by. Loved the party.
Thanks for the tips, Shari. I planted and harvested some green beans, but we ate them all up!! I think we will do it next year and now I know a little more about them. Thanks for stopping by Let’s Get Real this week. Be sure to come next week!!
Elizabeth recently posted…4 Things You Need to Know About Gratitude
Thanks Elizabeth. I will be sure to stop by again next week.
Blessings,
Shari
I learn something new every day! I blanched a whole box of green beans straight from the farm and even blogged about it;0) I might have to try steam blanching next time!
I like this method because it is so simple and the nutrient value is greater too. I also find that I have less frost in my packages when I freeze the beans on a tray first before they go into the packaging. I have the added bonus of being able to open the bag, grab a handful and then seal it back up. Works great.
We didn’t do a veggie garden this year and I so miss the fresh beans! I did toss some last year into the freezer, as is, and they did not turn out well when cooked so now I know to blanch first!! Thanks for all your awesome hints, tips and recipes!
Kristina and Millie recently posted…Juliette Cape – New Crochet Pattern & Giveaway
Always a pleasure. There is nothing quite so good as a fresh green bean!
Shari,
I can remember picking and freezing fresh green beans as a kid. I love fresh green beans. I sure do miss having a garden or at least I miss all the fresh vegetables.
Thanks for sharing!
Diane Roark
Gardening has definitely been a challenge this year with all the other things I have going on. The fresh vegetables are worth the extra effort though. Thanks for coming by Diane. Always a pleasure.
Blessings,
Shari
I love this method and have used it so many times, but in the beginning of my canning/preserving experience as a new wife I wished I would have know how to steam and freeze. We lived in a tiny apartment and a lady in the neighborhood let me pick her garden after she was finished for the season. I bottled them, used the pressure cooker of course, and feel asleep one very late nigh/early morning and thought I was going to blow up the place when the gauge was at full throttle…… You are doing such a wonderful service to post these ways to preserve, save money and especially to eat healthy. Carrie, A Mother’s Shadow
Thanks Carrie. I have always been a little afraid of the pressure cooker and so I have stayed away from it for mostly that reason. My mom used the cooker a lot so I was always around it. One of these days I will have to take myself to a class where I can learn to be more comfortable. I know it would open up so many more avenues for canning. Until then the freezer is my best friend.
Blessings,
Shari
Totally needed this as a neighbor of ours picked green beans from his garden and gave us a whole bunch. Couldn’t use them all in one time and totally have to try your method of freezing with the steam method now. Thanks so much for sharing, Shari
Janine Huldie recently posted…‘Pin It’ Pinterest Custom Button Tutorial
Thanks Janine. I am overflowing with beans right now. Every year I say I am going to plant less and this year I actually did. I can’t tell in the crop though, those beans are determined to take over! Thanks for stopping by and taking a moment to comment. I appreciate you!
Blessings,
Shari