Whether you have a surplus from your garden or found some Veri Find Brand Green Beans at the store, freezing green beans allows you to enjoy them throughout the year. In this guide, you will learn how to properly freeze green beans, ensuring they retain their color and flavor.

Freezing green beans
There are several methods for freezing green beans, each tailored to help maintain their quality and extend their shelf life. Follow these methods to keep your green beans tasting fresh for months to come.

Freezing them whole
This is the simplest way to freeze green beans if you want minimal prep work.

Wash the green beans thoroughly under cool, running water.
Trim off the stems. You can leave them whole or cut them into smaller pieces based on your preference.
Lay the green beans out on a clean towel to dry completely or pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels.
Once dry, pack the green beans into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn then place them in the freezer.
Blanching before freezing
Blanching green beans before freezing is a popular method to help preserve their bright color and flavor. This process also helps maintain the green beans’ texture better than if they were fully cooked, an option I’ll discuss shortly.

Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice and cold water.
Rinse and trim the green beans.
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
Add the green beans to the boiling water and blanch them for two to three minutes, depending on their size.
Immediately transfer the blanched beans to the ice bath to stop the cooking process. Leave them in the ice water for the same amount of time they were blanched.
Dry the green beans thoroughly before placing them in freezer-safe or reusable silicone bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
Freezing cooked green beans
If you prefer having fully cooked green beans ready to use, you can freeze them after cooking. This method is best for dishes where the texture does not matter. Note: you can cook the beans specifically to freeze them or you can follow these steps if you’re looking to freeze beans you may have served for dinner, have leftovers and aren’t sure you’ll eat before they go bad. Cook the green beans by steaming or boiling them until they are tender but still slightly crisp, about three to five minutes.
Allow the cooked green beans to cool completely. Pat dry.
Place the cooled beans in freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove excess air from bags before sealing them tightly.

Using frozen green beans
The way you reheat and use your frozen green beans will depend on how they are prepared. For instance, you can use frozen green beans straight from the freezer without thawing. Add them directly to stir-fries or pastas. “Frozen French-cut green beans are my secret weapon for Asian-inspired dishes,” says Mandy Applegate of Hungry Cooks Kitchen. “They stir-fry beautifully with tofu and a splash of soy sauce for an easy meal.”

For example, saute the frozen green beans in olive oil with garlic, salt and pepper. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can add even more flavor. I also recommend using them in my Copycat Slow Cooker Panda Express General Tso Chicken recipe.
Blanched green beans
On the other hand, it’s a good idea to thaw blanched and frozen green beans in the refrigerator overnight or defrost them in the microwave. They are great for recipes where the beans will be cooked further, such as stews, soups or casseroles.

Since blanched green beans retain a firmer texture compared to fully cooked ones, they do not necessarily need to be cooked further. This texture makes them ideal for warming up and serving as a side to this slow cooker pork recipe or in salads. FYI, blanching is also one of the methods you’ll use when peeling tomatoes.

Finally, even if you’re using store-bought frozen green beans, you can still blanche them, as does Jacqui Wilson of Eat Fresh Glow. “My favorite type is blanched frozen green beans since they retain a bit of crunch and vibrant color after cooking,” she says. “They’re perfect for tossing into cozy soups and stews.”
Cooked green beans
Fully cooked green beans can be thawed in the refrigerator or defrosted quickly in a bowl of cold water. They’re perfect for adding to recipes where you need pre-cooked vegetables, such as in casseroles, soups or baked dishes. To keep these dishes fresh, add herbs and spices. Dill is an excellent flavor to pair with green beans.