How To Freeze Green (any color) Fresh Beans:

  1. Gather equipment: Large pot of water 8 quarts; strainer or colander; slotted spoon; ice water in a sink or large bowl; freezer bags or containers; permanent marker for labeling.
  2. Put water on to heat.
  3. Cut or break stem end off. Cutting off narrow tips is optional.
  4. Cut or break into 2 inch pieces if desired.
  5. Blanch for 3 -4 minutes.  This means to place about 2 – 4 cups of beans in boiling water for the amount of time.
    1. When are they blanch? When they are bright dark green, taste slightly cooked and are still crisp.
  6. Remove from boiling water with a strainer or slotted spoon.
  7. Dip into ice water to stop the bean from cooking further.
  8. Remove cooled beans from water after 1 – 2 minutes and strain in colander to remove excess water.
  9. Fill plastic freezer bags or containers to the amount you would use for a meal. Do not over fill.
  10. Place in freezer, ideally, so that cold air can circulate around each bag to freeze quickly.