How to store green beans

5 from 69 votes

Green beans are a versatile and popular vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and side dishes to stir-fries and casseroles. When stored properly, they maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor.

Prep Time5

Cook Time5

Total Time10

Course: Other

Cuisine: All

Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free, Hindu, Low Calorie, Low Fat, Low Lactose, Low Salt, Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings: lbs

Calories: 34kcal

Author: Shilpa Kerur

Ingredients

2 lbs green beans or as needed
Water as needed

Instructions

Cleaning the green beans:

Take cold water in a large bowl and add the beans. Let it sit for 5 minutes. This will help loosen any mud or dirt on them.
Take them out and wash them thoroughly with cold water.
Spread them on a clean kitchen towel and let them dry. Alternatively, pat dry using a paper towel or kitchen towel.

Storing in the refrigerator:

Line a zip lock bag or an airtight container with a paper towel. Place the cleaned green beans and close the container.
Place in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator for up to one week.

Blanching the beans to store in the freezer:

Trim the edges of the beans. Cut them into 2-inch pieces or leave them whole, depending on your preference.
In a large wide bowl, add water and ice cubes. Set it aside.
In a separate large pot, add 6-7 cups of water and bring it to a rolling boil. Once the water boils, add the beans and blanch them for 3 minutes.
Pick the beans using a slotted spoon and transfer them immediately to the ice-cold water. Let it sit for another 3 minutes.

Storing in the freezer:

Drain all the water from the blanched green beans. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe tray.
Freeze them for 4-5 hours, until they firm up.
Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store them in the freezer for up to 12 months.

Notes

Do not overcrowd: When freezing green beans, it's important to make sure the bag is not overcrowded as this can cause the beans to stick together and not freeze properly.

Remove excess air from the bag: Remove as much air as possible from the ziplock bag as excess air in the bag can lead to freezer burn and deteriorate the quality of the beans.

Nutrition