Should i blanch runner beans

I have had runner beans from my freezer after 2 months without any problems. It is quick, easy and saves wasting the beans you took so much care over while they were growing. This is up to you, it depends on how many people are going to eat beans at each meal. It all depends on how long you wish to store the vegetables, for anything over weeks I would reccomend blanching.

Blanching stops the growth of certain enzymes that cause vegetables to degrade, lose colour and rot. Simply place the vegetables in boiling water for no longer than 2 minutes and then plunge them into ice cold water until they are cool. Your email address will not be published. Notify me of follow-up comments via e-mail. I told you it was easy! While you're waiting, fill a large bowl with ice water. Once your pot is boiling, add a generous amount of salt figure on a Tbsp for a gallon of water.

Working in batches, add green beans to boiling water and cook until just tender, 2 to 4 minutes depending on the size of beans. Using a wire skimmer often called spider or slotted spoon, transfer beans to ice water this will immediately stop cooking and preserve their bright green color.

Let them soak about 4 minutes, then using tongs, transfer to a towel to drain and dry. Repeat with remaining beans, adding more water to the pot to boil and more ice to the bowl as needed. Product Reviews. Home Ideas. United States.

There a few different ways of preparing runner beans: boiled, steamed, or stir-fried. The best way is to simply boil them and then stir through a little butter. This creates a great accompaniment to any meal.

Blanching is great if you want to prep veg ahead of time and then reheat it before serving or if you want to add it into a salad. The process keeps a bit of crunch to the beans and retains the bright green colour. It is important to store runner beans well so that they stay fresh for as long as possible.

Uncooked runner beans will keep in the vegetable draw for days. If they go a bit softer you can crisp them up in cold water. Blanched runner beans will stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

You can also remove the beans from inside the pods and then leave them to dry out in a warm and dry place. These beans can then be stored in an airtight container for a year and then left to soak before cooking, as you would with other dried beans. Runner beans are seasonal and often tricky to get hold of out of season. So storing beans in the freezer is a great way to ensure that you have a supply all year round. We recommend washing and cutting the runner beans, then blanching for 3 mins in boiling water, then add them to ice water to cool rapidly.

Freeze the cooled beans in a freezer bag. The frozen beans will keep well for about three months. You can cook the prepared beans from frozen. Just add to boiling water, bring back to the boil, and cook until tender, which should take about 5 mins in total.

For more advice read our guide on the best way to freeze foods , including vegetables, meats, cakes , and other items. This is a delicious Asian inspired side dish. The dressing uses miso paste to boost the flavours of the greens. When out of season we recommend using frozen runner beans and peas. Or swap the runner beans for green beans.

Get the recipe: Greens with miso dressing recipe. A sausage bake is always a hit. This is a popular recipe on the Good to Know website. It has over reviews.