How to freeze runner beans

If you want to get the most out of runner beans this autumn, one great method is to freeze them. If you’re surprised that you can freeze this vegetable, then maybe our useful guide explaining what foods can be frozen will be helpful for you. We also have separate guides on specific ways to freeze many fruits, such as strawberries, bananas, and rhubarb, and vegetables, such as asparagus, cauliflower, carrots, and potatoes.

As with most vegetables, runner beans need to be blanched before freezing to help retain their fresh flavour and colour. To do this, you’ll need to chop or slice the runner beans into ribbons or chunks, remove and discard any tough ends or stringy edges, blanch in boiling water, cool and then freeze. To make cutting your beans into lengths easier, try using a bean slicer.

Basic method for freezing runner beans

1. Top and tail the beans then peel away any stringy edges. Chop the beans into 2-3cm chunks or slice lengthways.
2. Heat a pan of water until it comes to a rolling boil, then add the prepared runner beans. Boil for 3 mins then drain and transfer the beans to a bowl of ice-cold water.
3. Leave them in the cold water until cooled completely. Then you need to open freeze them, which is a method of freezing the beans out of a bag or container – this stops them from sticking together later. The way to do this is to line a baking sheet with baking parchment then lay all the blanched runner beans out, making sure the pieces or slices aren’t touching. Put the freezer on its coldest setting and freeze until solid.
4. Once the beans are frozen, put them in a bag or freezer box and return to the freezer. Will keep frozen for 3-6 months.

Runner bean recipe inspiration

1. Runner bean & prawn paella

The prawns in this delicious paella may not be essential, but they do make it extra special for a Saturday night supper with friends. If using frozen runner beans, add an extra 5 mins to the cooking time when they go in to the pan in step 2.

2. Runner bean samosas

Runner beans work really well with spices and these curried filo triangles are the perfect showcase – a great starter or nibble for six people.

3. Green bean mac ’n’ cheese

Runner or green beans make a delicious addition to a comforting pasta bake – top with pumpkin seeds for added crunch. Fry the runner beans for an extra 3-5 mins in step 2 to ensure they’re defrosted.

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4. Sri Lankan runner bean curry

This vegan spice pot is cooled down with coconut milk. Ginger, cinnamon, cloves, mustard seeds, and garam masala are all key flavours. If you use frozen beans, you may need to add a further 5 minutes to the cooking time at step 2.

5. Prawn, sweetcorn & runner bean pasta

A quick and easy low-fat supper, ready in just 15 minutes.

Discover more of our delicious runner bean recipes.

What do you like to make with a runner bean glut? Leave a comment below…