According to the experts, it all starts with where you find them at the grocery store.
Its so disappointing when you bring up the crisper drawer and the beans are soft and slimy.
Which, of course, makes me wonder: Howdoyou keep them to stay fresh?
Simply Recipes / Photo Illustration by Wanda Abraham / Getty Images
They can feel limp and might have a sour, rotten smell.
Moisture is usually the biggest threat to green bean freshness.
But its a delicate balance.
Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel
If your beans dont get enough moisture, they can also shrivel up and dry out.
When you shop, confirm you choose the freshest produce.
Start with super fresh beans.
Simply Recipes / Sally Vargas
Dont pick beans that are wilted or spotted and avoid those that are somewhat split open or over-sized.
Once your beans are home, dont wash them until youre ready to eat.
Washing adds moisture, which can cause them to spoil faster and can encourage bacteria growth.
Simply Recipes / Lori Rice
Store beans in a veggie crisper or an air-tight plastic container.
Keep green beans away from fruits and vegetables like apples, peaches, and avocados, which produce ethylene.
Ethylene is a gas that can cause some other produce to ripen more quickly.
In the case of green beans, theylllose their colorand brown more quickly.
Can You Eat Iffy Green Beans?
Always discard any that smell foul or that are very wet and slimy.
If your beans have a few brown spots, they are OK to consume.
Just cut off the brown areas before cooking and eating.
Freezing green beans will hold their taste and texture.
You will want to wash, trim, then blanch, she says.
To blanch, rinse and drain the beans, then trim the stems and cut them into pieces.
Dry well on a dish towel or paper towels.
Pro tip: quick freeze first!
says Susie who insists the extra step is worth it.
