Learn all the tips and tricks for how to blanch and freeze green beans to extend the harvest. Learning how to freeze green beans is a great way to preserve this delicious summer veggie.
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time3 minutesmins
Freezing Time3 hourshrs
Total Time3 hourshrs13 minutesmins
Course: How To
Cuisine: How To
Keyword: can you freeze fresh green beans, freezing green beans, how to freeze fresh green beans
Set up a bowl full of ice water, and place a clean kitchen towel unfolded and flat on the counter.
Ice
Rinse green beans, and remove the ends. If beans have a string, peel those by pulling from the stem side down.
green beans
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
Add beans to the boiling water and set the timer for 3 minutes. You don't want to crowd the pot as the beans will cook unevenly.
Once the time is up, strain the beans through a colander and immediately add to the bowl of ice water for two minutes. Strain again and set aside to drain.
After a few minutes, gently transfer the beans to the towel and cover with a second clean towel to absorb any additional water.
Freezing Green Beans
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or a silpat.
Place the beans on the baking sheet and place the tray in the freezer. Pro tip: If you have a lot of beans to freeze at once, lay another piece of parchment on top of the green beans and top with an additional layer of beans.
Freeze for three hours.
Break apart any clumps that have formed on the baking sheet and transfer the green beans to freezer-proof storage.
If you’re using Ziploc-style bags, removing additional air from the bag will keep your beans safe from freezer burn.
Notes
You can keep your blanched green beans for four days in the fridge in an air-tight container.
Frozen beans will last in a conventional freezer for six months. If you have a deep freeze/stand-alone freezer, you’re safe to keep them in there for up to a year.
If you prefer a softer green bean once cooked, blanch for 4 minutes instead of 3.
Think about how you intend to use the green beans when they are thawed. Cutting them into the appropriate sizes now will make your future self really happy.