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Can you freeze green beans? Yes you can! In this step-by-step tutorial I’ll teach you how to prep and preserve green beans so you can enjoy them all year long.
Table of Contents
How Long do Fresh Green Beans Keep?
Fresh green beans typically last in the fridge for up to 1 week. To maintain freshness I recommend keeping them in a perforated bag or wrapped up in a damp paper towel to keep them hydrated but not too soggy. But if you’re into meal prepping or preserving I definitely recommend freezing your green beans.
Can You Freeze Fresh Green Beans?
Yes! Fresh green beans can easily be frozen to preserve freshness. Ideally you start with the best quality green beans you can find and freeze them during peak green bean season which runs from May to October depending on where you live. The sooner you freeze them, the better as this will help preserve both texture and flavor.
Do I Need to Blanche Them?
Blanching is not required before freezing green beans. Unlike zucchini which tends to keep and cook better after being blanched and frozen, green beans actually taste better if you don’t boil them pre-freezing. At least that is my personal texture preference but every vegetable is different.
How to Freeze Green Beans
STEP 1) Rinse your green beans in a large bowl or colander and drain off all excess liquid. Pat green beans dry with paper towel.
STEP 2) Trim ends of green beans. Cut to desired length (I like 1-inch pieces).
STEP 3) Place in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 3-4 hours.
STEP 4) Place green beans in an airtight bag or ziplock bag and remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn.
How Long to Frozen Green Beans Last?
Frozen green beans will keep in the freezer for up to 6 months so long as they are stored in an airtight freezer bag. Be sure to label the bag so you know when you froze them.
Green Bean Recipes
You can use frozen green beans just as you would fresh green beans. Frozen green beans taste great in soups, stews and stir-fries but you can add them to whatever dish you want that calls for fresh green beans. Here are some ideas:
- Green Bean Salad
- Charred Green Beans
- Vegetable Soup
- Minestrone Soup
- One Pot Chicken, Rice + Veggies
- Instant Pot Kung Pao Chicken
