AnswerLine: Information and resources for consumers with home and family questions. Iowa State University Extension Iowa State University Extension Answer Line

Child Development
Cleaning
Consumer Management
Food Preparation
Food Preservation
Food Safety
Home Environment
Household Equipment
Nutrition
Textiles and Laundry

Search By Keyword:

Advanced Search

Keyword Index

Other Links

Extension to Families

ISU Extension


Iowa State University

College of Human Sciences

Extension Publications

For Staff



What is the best method for freezing beans?

Wash green beans, snip off tips, and sort for size. Cut or break into suitable pieces or freeze small beans whole. Blanch 3 minutes. Chill in ice water. Pack tightly in freezer bags or rigid containers. Squeeze as much air as possible from bags before sealing. Leave 1/2 inch headspace for expansion in containers.

To blanch vegetables in boiling water, start counting blanching time as soon as the vegetable is placed in boiling water. Blanch no more than 1 pound of vegetables per gallon of boiling water at a time. Immerse wire basket or mesh bag with vegetables in boiling water. Cover and blanch for required time. Cool immediately in ice water for the same time as for blanching. Drain thoroughly. 

Related Information:
Freezing Fruits and Vegetables
Iowa State University Extension publication with detailed description about preparing and packaging foods for freezing
 

( Printer Friendly Version)

Some of the publications on this site are Adobe Acrobat pdf files. For more information about pdf files or to download a free copy of the Acrobat Reader, please consult the pdf help section.

Hotline Phone Number: 1-800-262-3804 (in Iowa) or 1-800-854-1678 (in Minnesota) | Email: answer@iastate.edu

Copyright © 2004 Iowa State University Extension. Ames, IA 50011. All rights reserved. Legal.