How to Freeze Green Beans

Step 1: Select beans Select freshly harvested, high quality, crisp green beans.
TIP: Choose green bean varieties recommended for freezing by Extension Office agents or other experts to achieve the best results.
Step 2: Wash and sort Wash the beans in cold water and sort them according to size and maturity to ensure uniformity in processing.
Step 3: Cut Cut off the ends and then cut the beans into bite-sized pieces or slice them lengthwise.
TIP: One bushel of fresh green beans produces 30 to 45 pints frozen beans.
Step 4: Blanch beans Blanch your beans by placing 4 cups of beans into a steamer basket and setting the basket in a covered kettle of boiling water for 3 minutes.
Step 5: Cool Cool the beans under cold running water and thoroughly drain them.
Step 6: Pack Pack the cooled beans in meal-sized amounts in freezer containers or freezer bags, leaving ½-inch headspace in containers and expelling excess air from bags.
Step 7: Label and freeze Label your containers or bags with the date, and then place them in a freezer for up to 12 months to celebrate and enjoy the harvest all year long.
FACT: The common green bean is known by several names, including string, bush, snap, and runner bean.

Lessons in this Guide