Freezing runner beans?

I can't imagine what you are doing wrong, because that is exactly how I freeze them too and mine come out ok.
I let them dry properly before freezing them, but that's the only thing I can think of as a possibility. Good luck next time.

Eddie at I’ve done exactly as you’ve done, hoping one year I’ll crack it. I’ve tried numerous ways, always disappointed. I’ve now given up, we now eat this delicious veg whilst in season. Pity as I still hanker to freeze some for later.

I just chop them into the desired lengths and freeze them. Blanching doesn't seem to be necessary so long as they are cooked properly once defrosted. I find microwaving best for both fresh and frozen but they're also fine chucked into a hot wok, usually with other veg such as chopped cabbage and onions.

Thanks. I am growing 2 different and newer varieties this year - maybe they'll be better. I do have an awful lot this year and can't bear to see them going to waste

I never Blanche them , but they are used up pretty quickly , maybe that’s the difference

I slice mine, then blanch them for a shorter time (maybe 30 seconds? I’m not very good about timing it), then plunge them into cold water to stop them continuing to cook.

I may try not blanching some , since others say it’s not necessary.

eddiecat78

Thanks. I am growing 2 different and newer varieties this year - maybe they'll be better. I do have an awful lot this year and can't bear to see them going to waste

Some freeze better than others.

Lady Di is a good variety for freezing and it is stringless too.

I find that all kinds of beans become fairly tasteless if frozen, so I have gone back to making a fairly strong solution of salt and water and bottling them in it in Kilner jars or other jars that can be sealed well.

I don’t like my veg frozen and I don’t have a big freezer anyway so I just give it away to my friends better than wasting it

I only freeze French beans, and I put them in curries, casseroles etc., rather than eating them as a side vegetable. They taste fine if they are part of a dish.

I've been freezing runner beans for years. Slice quite thinly first, then blanch for 1 min before plunging in cold water. After draining, I just divide into bags and freeze - not on trays. Come out fine!

i just slice and freeze. Never blanch them. Always taste fine.

So far I haven’t managed to cook any beans…..I’ve eaten them all before I get to the kitchen!

Farmor15

I've been freezing runner beans for years. Slice quite thinly first, then blanch for 1 min before plunging in cold water. After draining, I just divide into bags and freeze - not on trays. Come out fine!

That's how I do them
Or sometimes just freeze as mumofmadboys says.

Last year we got barely enough for a few meals, hoping this year will be better.
The first feast of homegrown beans is always the best!

I don’t blanch mine, they seem absolutely fine!

This is interesting. I gave up freezing runners because they deteriorated so quickly. Maybe I will give them a chance again without blanching.

Find frozen beans either home or commercially processed, quite tasteless, nothing like the fresh ones. Just going out to pick my first crop of miniature black french beans, never grown them before, I hope they turn green when cooked!

I just slice and freeze. They are good for several months.

I slice and freeze but not many as I make runner bean chutney every year.

Love runner beans - I am so jealous

Have you tried salting them?

Slice the beans, put a layer into a crock, (ours is stoneware), and then cover with a layer of salt, then more beans, more salt and a weight on the top. Last all winter and when you want some just soak overnight, like you do with pulses for soup, and cook as normal. Ancient but effective and no electric costs !

I saw the price of Runner Beans in our local Veg shop £5.99 for 1KG hope it wasn't for 1 lb Lady next to me looked shocked and said Am I seeing right or do I need Glasses lol!!!

Farmor15

I've been freezing runner beans for years. Slice quite thinly first, then blanch for 1 min before plunging in cold water. After draining, I just divide into bags and freeze - not on trays. Come out fine!

Exactly how I do my beans - perfect results every time!

I stopped blanching a few years ago. I string and slice, give them a Pat with kitchen paper and freeze in portions. Always taste lovely.