Q&A for How to Blanch Green Beans

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  • Question
    What to do with green beans after blanching?
    Ollie George Cigliano
    Private Chef & Food Educator
    Ollie George Cigliano is a Private Chef, Food Educator, and Owner of Ollie George Cooks, based in Long Beach, California. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in utilizing fresh, fun ingredients and mixing traditional and innovative cooking techniques. Ollie George holds a BA in Comparative Literature from The University of California, Berkeley, and a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from eCornell University.
    Private Chef & Food Educator
    Expert Answer
    Feel free to toss them with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, minced shallot, salt, and pepper.
  • Question
    Can I refrigerate blanched beans overnight and then saute them in a large skillet with butter and lemon zest?
    KateKatey Girl
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can. The best way to cook them to desired doneness is to taste as you go.
  • Question
    What can you do with the water from blanched green beans?
    Community Answer
    Let the water cool, then water your outdoor plants with it. The water contains some nutrients from the beans. There is not sufficient salt in the water to damage the roots. Alternatively, you can use the water as a base for homemade soup.
  • Question
    I am using frozen and already blanched green beans. How long do I cook them?
    Community Answer
    The best method for deciding the proper cooking time is to taste your green beans regularly until they've achieved your desired texture/doneness.
  • Question
    After blanching the green beans, can they be frozen in bags?
    Community Answer
    Yes, they can! Just make sure to remove as much air as you can from the bag and seal them tightly.
  • Question
    Can I store the beans in my freezer?
    Jo Briggs
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can. Lay them out in one layer on a cookie sheet and freeze them for about an hour. After that, put them in a freezer bag and return the bag to the freezer. If you want to keep more of the vitamins in your green beans, it's better to blanch them before freezing them.
  • Question
    How do I cook the green beans after I take them out of the freezer?
    Community Answer
    Just microwave them. You can boil them again, but that's not really necessary.
  • Question
    Why do you have to blanch green beans before freezing?
    Community Answer
    Blanching is not required, but it helps the green beans keep their vibrant color and nutrients. It also helps them last longer by stopping the enzymes that lead to spoilage.
  • Question
    Why are these beans so skinny?
    Community Answer
    They are French-style green beans.
  • Question
    Can you freeze fresh green beans without blanching them?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can. Spread the green beans out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Once they are solid, transfer them into a freezer bag and use them within 6 to 8 weeks.
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