Preserving beans in salt

[Littlefox2000]

Hi there,

Although I currently only have a gut of courgettes and courgettes which have become marrows, I have been reading about preserving methods. I saw in one of Bob Flowerdews books that you can preserve beans in salt. I'm tempted to try this, but have been told that the beans are forever salty. Does anyone have any experience with this method of preserving and I'd be grateful if you can share your experiences.

Many thanks in advance...

[binley100]

Remember my mum doing this before she had a freezer....you need to rinse really well before using .

[Hazel at the Hill]

Yes! I did this about 5 years ago. Although the beans were perfectly preserved, they were well salty despite much rinsing. From memory, I'd freeze instead of salting.

Hang on - I have a blog link somewhere...Hazel and Jane's allotment: HOW many beans...!?

[Two_Sheds]

I'd only use salting if I didn't have a freezer, but if I didn't have a freezer then I'd just keep dry beans in a jar.

(I'm talking about the kidney beans you get inside the pod, but realise you're probably talking about the fresh sliced 'green' bean?)

[PyreneesPlot]

I used to do it before we had electricity and a freezer, haricot not runners. I'd soak them for a few hours as rinsing left them too salty. They were fine in dishes where you could adjust the seasoning but not as stand alone veg. Fine in curry!

[mothhawk]

I remember my mum doing this when I was a child. I don't do it 'cos I don't like salty food - I don't add salt to anything, except a small pinch with boiled potatoes.

[Littlefox2000]

Ooh thank you everyone for your advice! I might give salting a little go this year to try it out, but will also make sure I freeze some beans too. I quite like salty food, but will take note to add to curries etc rather than trying standalone.

Thanks again, LF