With Sharon Peterson
Green beans can be grown in your own garden, local farmers market or roadside stand, Farms or Orchards where you can pick for yourself, or CSA Community Supported Agriculture. I personally recommend finding them local if you can’t grow them in your own backyard.
The Harvest
Picking first thing in the morning will give you nice crispy produce. If you are picking in your own garden….. go ahead and snack on a few! ….. yum. And Oh so good for you. You want to pick while the pods are young and seeds inside are still immature. Look for a diameter of a pencil. If you wait longer they get tough.
Save the Seeds
If you use heirloom beans let some get overgrown and leave them on the vine until late in the season. When they start to dry out at the end of the season pick them off the vine and allow to dry completely. Save the pods until next spring and you have your seeds for next years garden.
Can I use a Waterbath?
No you should NOT use a waterbath. (unless you are pickling)
Pickled
These are a hit with my pickle lovers. The only time you can use a waterbath is with the acidity added in pickled beans.
Dehydrating
You want to start with fresh tender pods and blanch the beans first. Place in a single layer on a dehydrator tray and be sure they are spread enough that air flows freely around them.
Freezing
Just like dehydrating you’ll want to blanch before freezing. Pack into freezer bags, freezer boxes or other freezer container.
A recipe!
This is not a canning recipe. Instead, it’s a scrumptious way to serve them. Some people call them “country-style beans,”
Sharon Peterson is a wife, mom of 4 sons, home gardener and home food preservation fanatic! Click here to find out more.