Easiest Way to Save Fresh Green Beans for Later

A quick and easy tutorial on how to blanch green beans. Blanching green beans is an excellent way to extend the shelf life of your beans, and for freezing seasonal garden harvests. Blanched green beans can be used in any recipe that uses fresh or frozen green beans.

Grab the Last of Your Garden Green Beans

Green beans in a colander ready to be washed. — Image Credit: Peel with Zeal

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Use any variety of green beans, haricot vert, or string beans. Look for vivid color. Most are green but some varieties will be purple or yellow. They should have a snap when broken. Learn More: How to Blanch and Freeze Green Beans

Prep and Trim

Removing green bean head stalk, resting on the cutting board. — Image Credit: Peel with Zeal

Here is where you will use 2-3 sentences to describe the image/post you want to Thoroughly wash the green beans by submerging them in a bowl of cold water or rinsing them in a colander. Trim the stems with a knife. Trimming the tail is optional but I prefer to trim it so both ends look the same. Learn More: How to Blanch and Freeze Green Beans

Briefly Cook in Salted Boiling Water

Close-up shot of boiling water in the heavy bottom casserole. — Image Credit: Peel with Zeal

Allow the water to boil for several minutes (aka a rolling boil) before adding your green beans. This will prevent the water from cooling too much when you add the green beans. Learn More: How to Blanch and Freeze Green Beans

Do Not Overcook

A close-up shot of blanching green beans. — Image Credit: Peel with Zeal

The green beans will cook for two to three minutes. They are done when they turn bright green and are just slightly tender. Learn More: How to Blanch and Freeze Green Beans

Plunge Them into an Ice Bath

Straining green bean from the ice cold water in the bowl. — Image Credit: Peel with Zeal

Add 4 cups of ice to a mixing bowl and fill ¾ full with cold water. Use tongs or a mesh sieve to move the beans from the boiling water to the ice bath. Learn More: How to Blanch and Freeze Green Beans

Shock, But Not Too Much

Green beans soaked in ice cold water in a bowl after blanching. — Image Credit: Peel with Zeal

Only leave the beans in for a few minutes. Then drain and thoroughly dry. Learn More: How to Blanch and Freeze Green Beans

Dry and Freeze for Later

A close-up shot of washed green beans. — Image Credit: Peel with Zeal

Place parchment paper on a baking sheet and spread out the green beans in a single layer. Freeze for 1 hour before transferring to a freezer bag. Learn More: How to Blanch and Freeze Green Beans

Potluck Approved: Green Bean Potato Salad

A white oval plate with sliced and whole baby potatoes, green beans, and herbs, set on a gray surface with a small bowl of chopped herbs nearby-perfect inspiration for fresh recipes ideal for guest entertaining. — Image Credit: Peel with Zeal

Tender potatoes and crisp green beans get tossed in a tangy vinaigrette with plenty of fresh herbs. It's everything you want in a potato salad To learn more: Green Bean Potato Salad

Fast and Easy: Curry Green Beans

Blanched green bean drizzled with garlic sauce serve on the dinner plate. — Image Credit: Peel with Zeal

Quickly toss with chicken stock, garlic, and curried powder for a delicious side dish. Get the Recipe: Curried Green Beans

Classic: Garlic Green Beans

Garlic green beans in a white oval platter served on the table. — Image Credit: Peel with Zeal

Saute with loads of garlic for a classic side dish. I like to serve this with a steak or trout. Get the Recipe: Extra Garlicky Green Beans

Asian Inspried: Miso Butter Green Beans

A stainless steel pan filled with cooked green beans, sliced garlic, and sauce sits on a white surface next to a small dish of black and white sesame seeds. — Image Credit: Peel with Zeal

Crisp green beans are tossed in a buttery, miso garlic glaze for a quick, flavorful side dish perfect for busy weeknights! Get the Recipe: Miso Green Beans

Garden Fresh: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Close-up shot of Feta green bean salad on a white platter. — Image Credit: Peel with Zeal

This feta green bean salad recipe is made with tender green beans, juicy cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese and drizzled with honey mustard vinaigrette. To learn more: Green Bean Salad