Gone off frozen broad beans

[Bumblingbroccoli]

Last spring/summer I froze a lovely bag of broad beans I'd picked that day. But when I got them out to cook today they'd gone off. All brown red and musty smelling. Must have done something wrong when I froze them.

What should I do this year when it comes to freezing my harvest? Planning to grow lots so don't want to make the same mistake...

[veggiechicken]

Does this old thread help you? https://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gr...ing_59077.html

[Vegi potager]

Did you blanch them in boiling water first1-2 mins depending on size? a book I have says then let them cool and freeze open on a tray before bagging up when frozen.

The book also has a recipe for broad bean wine!

[Bumblingbroccoli]

Embarrassingly I don't remember if I blanched them or not! Will definitely remember this year. Going to check out thread now.

[Mark_Riga]

You could try leaving some on the plants till the pods go black then store the dried beans when they will keep a couple of years to see if you like them or just for seeds for next year. I use them to make hummus. They need soaking/skinning and then cooking and can be used instead of chick peas in many recipes. I do get some that develop holes (some insect or other) but jus cut the holes out.

[lottie dolly]

Am shocked at that,i never freeze them,and never had any bother,the only thing i can think of is,has the freezer been off for a while then refroze,

[ecudc]

I'd definitely check your freezer temperature (should be -18c). Even if you didn't blanch them first then I'd expect them to survive a year in the freezer. if the temperature it is maintaining is OK then maybe the door was left open for a bit or your had a power cut.

[Dynamo]

I've always let all my beans dry on a windowsill in a tray until now, but late last year I bought a food dryer which so far I've only used for chillies, but I might use it for beans too this year.

[Bumblingbroccoli]

Good thought. If it was the freezer must have been a power cut as it has an alarm if the door is left open.