How to Freeze Green Beans

Carrisa and I grew great green beans this summer.  When we were sated and had eaten all that we could possibly eat I began freezing them for winter stews.

HOW TO BLANCH AND FREEZE GREEN BEANS

Wash the green beans in a big colander.  Trim the ends off and cut them into pieces.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.  Once the water is boiling carefully place the green beans in the water and blanch for 2 minutes.

Once the green beans have been in the water 2 minutes - quickly strain - and immerse them in a bowl of ice water.  Leave them in the ice bath until they are no longer hot.

Place the green beans in a single layer on a cookie sheet and place them in the freezer.  If you place them in the bag without freezing them on the cookie sheet first they will freeze into a solid block of green beans.

At this point you can pack them into freezer bags.  It is nice to label and date the freezer bags.