How to Blanch and Freeze Green Beans
Every year, I seem to have an abundance of green beans from my garden. Freezing them is one of my favourite ways to make sure none go to waste, and they make a wonderful vegetable to enjoy throughout the winter. Steam blanching helps the beans retain their bright colour and gives them a firmer, almost squeaky texture.
Prep time
10 min
Cook time
3 min
Serves
Varies
Ingredients
▼
What You'll Need
- Fresh green or yellow beans
- Large pot with a tight-fitting lid
- Metal steamer basket or steaming insert
- Large bowl of ice water
- Clean kitchen towels
- Baking sheets
- Freezer bags or vacuum-seal bags
Ingredients
What You'll Need
- Fresh green or yellow beans
- Large pot with a tight-fitting lid
- Metal steamer basket or steaming insert
- Large bowl of ice water
- Clean kitchen towels
- Baking sheets
- Freezer bags or vacuum-seal bags
Instructions
Prepare the Beans
- 1
Wash the beans thoroughly under cool running water. Trim off the stem ends and cut the beans into your preferred size.
Prepare the Ice Bath
- 1
Fill a large bowl with very cold water and plenty of ice. Have the ice bath ready before you begin steaming the beans.
Steam the Green Beans
- 1
Add approximately 1 to 2 inches of water to a large pot and bring it to a boil.
- 2
Place the prepared beans in a metal steamer basket or steaming insert that fits inside the pot. The basket should sit above the boiling water — the water should not touch the beans.
- 3
Place the basket inside the pot and cover it with a tight-fitting lid. Steam the green beans for exactly 3 minutes.
Transfer to the Ice Bath
- 1
As soon as the three minutes are up, immediately transfer the beans to the prepared ice-water bath. Allow them to cool completely. This stops the cooking process and helps preserve their bright colour and firm texture.
Drain and Dry
- 1
Once completely cooled, drain the beans thoroughly. Spread them in a single layer over clean kitchen towels placed on baking sheets.
- 2
Allow the beans to dry for approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Gently pat away any remaining moisture before packaging them. Removing excess water helps reduce ice crystals and freezer burn.
Package and Freeze
- 1
Divide the beans into portions and place them in freezer-safe bags. Press out as much air as possible before sealing.
- 2
If you have a vacuum sealer, I recommend using it. Vacuum sealing provides additional protection from freezer burn and helps the beans maintain their quality for longer.
- 3
Label each package with the contents and date, then place it in the freezer.
Melissa's Notes
**How long do frozen green beans last?** For the best flavour and texture, use your frozen green beans within 8 to 12 months. Vacuum-sealed beans will generally maintain their quality better than beans stored in ordinary freezer bags.
**How to cook frozen green beans:** There is no need to thaw the beans before using them. Cook them directly from frozen by adding them to boiling water, a skillet, soup, stew, or casserole.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.
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