Green Beans in a white bowl on a marble counter

How to Freeze Green Beans.

Can you freeze green beans?

Absolutely! Green beans freeze really well. There are several methods you can use to freeze fresh green beans. Green beans are also an easy vegetable to grow, especially for beginners. So, if you have an abundance of fresh green beans left over from your garden this year, freezing them is your answer. We are a family on a budget whom also love enjoying the best produce possible. This is why I love my freezer. Buying produce in bulk, at the peak of freshness, allows us to eat healthy organic food at a great price point. Whatever your reason for freezing green beans, you will love them out of the freezer. One of my favorite ways to use frozen green beans is as a simple side for dinner. We love adding in some butter, salt, and garlic for a tasty side to our freezer meals.

Why you will love freezing Strawberries at home.

Takes 5 Minutes
Reduces Food Waste
Saves Money
Easy Healthy Dinner Side
Always Have Green Beans Handy

green beans standing up in a white cup on a white cutting board

Do you need to blanch green beans before freezing?

The first question everyone asks when it comes to freezing vegetables is if blanching is necessary. Blanching is a process of setting vegetables into boiling water for a very short amount of time and then dumping them into an ice bath to stop any cooking. Blanching is a great cooking method and used for many different reasons, but is not always 100% necessary. When it comes to freezing green beans you can either choose to blanch or not. Whether you choose to blanch your green beans or not, they will turn out wonderful in the freezer.

Blanched vs. Unblanched Green Beans

So what’s the difference if you do or do not blanch your green beans? And why do some people say it is necessary? The biggest reason some people blanch their green beans is because there is an enzyme in green beans that causes beans to mature and toughen over time. However, I have never had a problem with a bad or tough texture from frozen green beans. Texture wise blanched and unblanched green beans both turn out amazing right out of the freezer. Use frozen green beans for soups, sides and even salads.

What do I need to Freeze Green Beans?

Fresh Green Beans (Maybe from your first garden? ???? )
Parchment Paper
Baking Sheet (with a lip)*
Gallon/Quart sized freezer bags. (Ziplock are my favorite).
*A baking sheet and parchment paper are necessary if you are freezing using the blanching method. However if you are freezing the green beans unblanched you will not need parchment paper or a baking sheet.

a bunch of green beans in a wood woven basket on a white marble counter

Method #1: Freeze Unblanched Green Beans

Method 1 for freezing unblanched green beans is by far the most time efficient method. If you are on the go and do not have time for extras then this is the best way for you to freeze your fresh green beans.

Step 1: Wash green beans

First, be sure to wash your green beans. Be sure to also look through your batch while washing and remove any less than desirable green beans or long stems.

Step 2: Snap off ends

Snapping green beans is truly therapeutic for me. You can leave them long and snap off the ends before freezing, or cut to size if you want a classic inch long piece. This is all the prep necessary for method 1.

Step 3: Place prepped green beans into a freezer bag.

Add your prepped green beans into a labeled gallon freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible and then freeze.

Step 4: Freeze for 6-9 months.

Green beans should stay good for 6-9 months in the freezer. TIP: Don’t forget to label the freezer bag and write an expiration date on the bag. (Today’s date plus 6-9 months).

Method #2: Freeze Blanched Green Beans

Step 1: Prepare a Baking Sheet with Parchment Paper

Cover a baking sheet (with a lip) with parchment paper. This will keep your green beans from sticking and make it easy to transfer once frozen.

Step 2: Bring a Large Pot of Water to a Boil.

Blanching is a method of sticking vegetables into boiling water for 1-2 minutes and then setting into an ice bath. Be sure to get a pot of boiling water on the stove right away so you are not waiting on the water.

Step 3: Snap Ends off Green Beans.

While the water is boiling, snap the ends off your fresh green beans. Cut to preferred size if you want or leave them whole and rustic.

Step 4: Blanch Green Beans for 1-2 Minutes.

Set green beans into boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then remove and place into an ice bath, or run under cold water for a few minutes.

Step 5: Place Green Beans into Prepared Baking Sheet.

Set baking sheet with green beans into the freezer for 1-2 hours. Do not freeze too much longer than 2 hours otherwise green beans may develop freezer burn. Green beans will be mostly frozen with a couple spots that may still have to freeze completely. Don’t worry if they still have a little way to go. They will finish freezing in step 6.

Step 6: Transfer frozen green beans into a freezer bag.

Once green beans are in a freezer bag remove as much air as possible and seal. TIP: Don’t forget to label the freezer bag and write an expiration date on the bag. (Today’s date plus 6-9 months). *See FAQ’s and specific tips following recipe card below. *Frozen green beans will last for 6-9 months in the freezer, if frozen properly. Be sure to use freezer bags when storing or any other air tight container.

a bunch of green beans on a white marble counter

2 Methods for Freezing Fresh Green Beans. ????

How to Freeze Green Beans

Learn 2 of the best methods for how to freeze green beans. Both the blanch and unblanched method of freezing green beans.

Prep Time5

Active Time5

Total Time10

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Blanched Green Beans, Frozen Green Beans, How to Freeze Green Beans

Materials

green beans as much as you want to freeze

Instructions

Method #1: Freeze Unblanched Green Beans

Wash Green Beans
First be sure to wash your green beans. Be sure to also look through while washing and remove any less then desirable green beans or long stems.
Snap off ends
Snapping green beans is truly theraputic for me. You can leave them long and snap off the ends before freezing, or cut to size if you want a classic inch long piece. This is all the prep necessary for method 1.
Place prepped green beans into freezer bag.
Add your prepped green beans into a labeled gallon freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible and then freeze.
Freeze for 6-9 months.
Green beans should stay good for 6-9 months in the freezer.

Method #2: Freeze Blanched Green Beans

Prepare a Baking Sheet with Parchment Paper
Cover a baking sheet (with a lip) with parchment paper. This will keep your green beans from sticking and make it easy to transfer once frozen.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Blanching is a method of sticking vegetables into boiling water for 1-2 minutes and then setting into an ice bath. Be sure to get a pot of boiling water on the stove right away so you are not waiting on the water.
Snap ends off green beans.
While the water boiling snap the ends off your fresh green beans. Cut to preferred size if you want or leave them whole and rustic.
Blanch Green Beans for 1-2 Minutes.
Set green beans into boiling water for 1-2 minutes then remove and place into an ice bath, or run under cold water for a few minutes.
Place Green Beans into Prepared Baking Sheet.
Set baking sheet with green beans into the freezer for 1-2 hours. Do not freeze too much longer than 2 hours otherwise green beans may develop freezer burn.
Green beans will be mostly frozen with a couple spots that may still have to freeze completely.
Don’t worry if they still have a little way to go. They will finish freezing in step 6.
Transfer frozen green beans into a freezer bag.
Once green beans are in a freezer bag remove as much air as possible and seal.
TIP: Don’t forget to label the freezer bag and write an expiration date on the bag. (Today’s date plus 6-9 months).

Freezing (food) FAQ’s

When are green beans in season?

Green beans are freshest during the summer and early fall months. June-Septemebr you can find green beans of plenty at the grocery store, farmers market or in your garden at home.

Some of the best recipes for frozen green beans.

Soups
Roasted
Steamed
Bacon and Green Bean Casserole
Salads

Should you freeze or can green beans?

The main reason to freeze over canning green beans is the supplies required. Freezing green beans requires as little as a freezer bag, while canning required quite a lot of specialty supplies. I personally prefer to freeze my vegetables instead of canning vegetables.

Do I need vacuum sealed bags to freeze food?

You do not have to have vacuum sealing bags to freeze food. It can be as simple as using a straw to seal freezer bags and remove air, or just carefully forcing as much air out as possible. Vacuum sealing bags may be a luxury and work great, but they are not a necessity.

How long do frozen green beans last?

Frozen green beans will last for 6-9 months in your freezer. Be sure to write an expiration date on your freezer bag when you freeze the vegetables, so you can keep track of your freezer food.

How to thaw frozen green beans?

You do not have to. go through a process to thaw the frozen green beans. Use them right out of the freezer in soups, steaming them, boiling or even roasting in the oven.

Is it important to blanch green beans before freezing?

It is not necessary but is a step some people like to take. Think of this step in the process as the traditional way of freezing any vegetables. However, many have had the same if not better results skipping this step.