Freezing runner beans

[Sonata]

I've been picking and eating runner beans for a week now, and we've started getting a glut. How do I go about freezing them? I heard something about blanching..but I don't know what that is or how long I should do that for.

Help?

Ta!

[HayleyB]

Some don't bother with blanching just freeze in portions.

However, blanching preserves freshness and stops any deterioration. Boil water throw in beans bring back to boil, simmer for a couple of minutes then drain and cool quickly in cold water to stop the cooking process.

The ideal way to freeze is to lay on a tray and freeze then when frozen put into bags or containers. This then stops the produce freezing in a clump.

[rustylady]

I agree with HayleyB - just slice and open freeze on a tray, then pack into containers or bags. I've tried blanching and it makes the beans go all soft and mushy.

[Hilary B]

Slice as if about to cook.
Unblanched runners stay nice for about a year. Blanched runners stay OK, but not as nice, for about 3 years.... (OK so the times are semi-guess, but the general idea is right).
Freeze them unblanched and use them before next harvest.

[Printemps]

I prefer to preserve my beans by salting them in old sweet jars. I also make jars of sweet pickled beans which are great with salads.

[Sonata]

Thanks Hayley. Have two trays of beans in the freezer now. I'm going to have to start eating up stuff in there - there's no room!

Oops posted before seeing the other answers! Drat, I've blanched them now. I'll try something different for the next batch.

[ckfe]

can you freeze them without slicing them first? like just leave the pods whole

also i think i might try freezing half without blanching and half blanched

[TEB]

We blanch and only cut the beans if they are over long, we dont get soft mushy beans though

[Mrs Twigg]

Preserving runner beans

Hi Printemps,
can you tell us your recipe for sweet pickled beans?.....sounds interesting and yummy!
thanks
Mrs T

[littlechillibean]

can i also freeze french beans? if so whole or do i cut them like my runner beans?

[Twinkle]

on a tangent - I made this last year with my runner beans and it was delicious
Spiced Pickled Runner Beans - Bean feasts - Recipes - from Delia Online

[Bren In Pots]

I've just printed off the recipe, thanks Twinkle.

[voddybabe]

its funny i have spent the afternoon reezing my beans and both methods ( blanching and not blanching) worked well for me.
Happy freezing

[Alison]

I don't blanch, too lazy and I find it makes them taste funny. French beans freeze well, I just top and tail them and cut the bigger ones in half. Open freeze and then bag up and cook as needed. In my opinion, runners don't freeze so well and aren't that good for using as a fresh veggie but work OK in dishes.