How to Freeze Beans – The Complete Guide

🧂 Ingredients

• 20 oz green beans

  or as much as needed
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1.25 gallon water

  for blanching the beans (20 cups)
• ice water

  to cool the beans after blanching

Instructions

• 1 Rinse the beans in a colander.
• 2 Take a handful (10-15 pods), line up the stem ends, and use a sharp knife to
  slice off the end (about ¼-1/2 inch). Optionally turn over and repeat on the
  other side, though it’s not necessary.
  
  You could also cut them in half or thirds if you want smaller pieces. I often
  freeze some whole and some in smaller pieces to use in different recipes.
• 3 Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the salt.
  
  The pot size will depend on how much you plan to freeze. Likewise, you can
  adjust the amount of salt if you’re on a low-sodium diet. Generally, you’ll need
  around 1 gallon of water per 1 lb. of vegetables.
  
  At the same time, prepare the ice bath (a large bowl of ice water).
• 4 Add the green beans to the boiling water, working in batches if necessary.
• 5 Allow them to cook for just 2-3 minutes.
• 6 Use a slotted spoon (or drain them through a colander) to immediately transfer
  the blanched green beans to the ice bath and allow them to cool for 4-6 minutes
  to halt the cooking process.
• 7 Remove them from the water and pat dry with a kitchen towel or paper towels.
• 8 Spread the blanched green beans on a freezer-safe baking sheet, rack, or board,
  ensuring they are in a single layer and aren't touching. Then flash freeze the
  beans until solid (about an hour).
• 9 Transfer the frozen green beans to a freezer-safe Ziplock bag, remove as much
  air as possible (you can suck it out with a straw for a mock "vacuum pack"
  effect), and return to the freezer.
• 10 I recommend storing the blanched and frozen green beans for between 10-12
  months, though for the best taste and texture, eat them within 8 months.
  
  Ensure they’re in an airtight environment to avoid freezer burn and maintain the
  longest shelf life.

Nutrition Info