Beginning with washed beans, nip the ends of each end. From here, cut each bean into 1-2 inch pieces. Using a food scale, measure batches of beans in the size you think would best suit your household for a meal. Set each batch aside in a bowl or other container.

Find a large kettle that your metal colander will fit inside of. Fill the kettle with water and bring to a boil. Place your first batch of beans in the colander and place into the boiling water for 3 minutes.

While the beans are in the boiling water, prepare a cold water or ice bath for the beans. I do this by filling a large bowl with cold, cold water and placing another colander in it. Immediately after the beans are done boiling, remove from the kettle and pour them from the metal colander to colander in the cold water bath. Cool for an additional 3 minutes. Repeat this process with additional batches of beans.

Once the beans have cooled, remove the colander from the water bath and allow it to drain well. You can dry them a bit with a clean towel. Spread blanched beans on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. You can freeze an additional batch on top of the first by placing another sheet of parchment on top of the first batch.

Place the beans in the freezer, preferably a chest or stand up freezer, if available. Allow to freeze until solid, generally a few hours. Once frozen, transfer from your baking sheet to freezer safe containers or bags.

When you are ready to use your green beans, cook them the way you would cook any frozen vegetable. We especially like to steam them in our microwave!