Green beans are one of my favorite vegetables (and my family’s) to grow and eat every year in the garden. I plant so many that my green bean harvests are quickly overflowing in my refrigerator. And that’s when I know it’s time to put some in the freezer!
Freezing green beans from the garden is really fast and easy, and it’s a great way to save your harvest so that you can enjoy it all year long (instead of having to make green bean casserole every day for an entire month).
Here’s your guide to freezing fresh green beans from your vegetable garden.
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WHY FREEZE GREEN BEANS?
There are three advantages to freezing these little legumes.
One: Lock in Flavor
Garden-fresh green beans are so much tastier than store-bought ones. If you’re not able to eat your freshly harvested green beans within a week, then freezing them is the best way to ensure you’ll still get all the deliciousness you earned by growing and harvesting your own green beans.
Two: Extend Your Harvest Year-Round
You can savor that summery goodness of homegrown green beans even in the winter if you freeze your harvest. There’ll be no need to buy those subpar fresh green beans from the produce aisle because you’ll have a steady supply of homegrown beans. This is even better if you grow different varieties of beans that you wouldn’t see at the store no matter the season.
Three: Preserve Nutrients
Freezing, when done correctly, is actually the best way to preserve nutrients in fruits and vegetables than other preservation methods, like canning.
Four: Avoid Waste
I must plead guilty here and admit I’ve let many of my garden harvests go to waste before preserving them. But I am happy to report I will not let this happen anymore with my green beans because freezing them is my favorite way to preserve my bean harvests, and it’s one of the quickest options. When you find a method that’s quick to do and you enjoy the end result, you’re more likely to not let your harvests go to waste.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT BEANS TO FREEZE
The key to successful freezing is starting with the freshest beans possible.
Harvest green beans at their peak. Look for beans that are firm, crisp, and free of blemishes. Ideally, pick them in the morning when they’re the most hydrated.
You can freeze any bean varieties—bush beans or pole beans, flat beans or French beans.
Pro Tip: I like to harvest beans that are ready every single day, instead of leaving them on the plant. I save these harvests in a closed container in the fridge over the next 3 to 4 days, until I’m ready to do a bigger batch of freezing.
SUPPLIES FOR FREEZING FRESH GREEN BEANS
Here’s what you’ll need to freeze your beans properly:
- Large Strainer – to rinse green beans
- Paring Knife – to trim green bean ends
- Large Pot – for blanching
- Large Bowl – ice bath to cool beans quickly
- Salad Spinner – for drying or rinsing and drying in place of the strainer (I like this stainless steel option because it’s more sturdy)
- Or Tea Towels – for drying
- Cookie Sheet – for flash freezing
- A Storage Container
Storage Container Options – quart or gallon freezer ziploc bags, plastic food storage containers, glass food storage containers, or for extra long storage, a FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer
HOW TO FREEZE FRESH GREEN BEANS
Follow these steps to freeze your green beans:
- Wash green beans thoroughly.
- Trim ends of green beans.
- Blanch green beans.
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- Boil a large pot of water and prepare a large bowl of ice water.
- Place trimmed beans in boiling water for 2 minutes.
- Put blanched beans in the bowl of ice water till cool (about 15 minutes).
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- Dry green beans by giving them a spin in the salad spinner or patting them with towels or paper towels.
- Flash freeze green beans.
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- Place cooled and dried green beans onto a cookie sheet.
- Put the cookie sheet into the freezer for 6-12 hrs.
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- Store green beans in the baggie or storage container of choice.
- Label and date your container.
HOW LONG WILL GREEN BEANS STORE IN THE FREEZER?
You can store your green beans in the freezer for up to 12 months, but they’re best if used within 6 to 8 months.
Pro Tip: Storing your beans using a FoodSaver will help prolong their longevity in the freezer up to 2 to 3 years.
HOW TO FREEZE GREEN BEANS WITHOUT BLANCHING
You may be thinking, “Do I have to blanch fresh green beans before freezing?” It is, after all, an extra step.
Here’s your answer: Green beans do not have to go through the blanching process, but they store better and taste better afterwards if you do. I would only recommend skipping the blanching part if you, one, plan on tossing your beans in soups or stews and, two, plan on using them up within a couple of months.
To freeze without blanching, simply wash them, trim the ends, dry them, flash freeze them, and place them into storage containers.
TIPS FOR USING FROZEN GREEN BEANS
Follow these tips to get the most out of your green beans post freezer.
One: Skip Thawing Time Before Cooking
Frozen green beans can be used straight from the freezer without thawing. Just toss them directly into your favorite recipes such as soups, stews, casseroles, or stir-fries.
Two: Don’t Hide Them in Meals
Just because they’re frozen doesn’t mean they’re not delicious. You can enjoy these beans on their own as a side dish. Just quickly heat them in a skillet with a little butter or oil, and season to taste.
Three: Avoid Overcooking Them
Since blanched green beans have already been partially cooked, be careful not to overcook them now. The goal is to reheat them briefly to maintain their crisp texture.
I hope that helps you make the most out of every green bean harvest. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions. I’d love it if you shared your favorite green bean recipe!
