What is the best way to freeze runner beans?

1. Prepare the beans. Wash the beans thoroughly and remove any blemishes or damaged areas. For mature beans, top and tail the beans, then slice them into approximately 1-inch pieces. For young beans, trim off any tough strings and leave them whole.

2. Blanch the beans. Blanching helps to preserve the colour, flavour, and texture of the beans. Bring a large pot of water to the boil and add the beans. Blanch the beans for 2-3 minutes (whole) or 1 minute (sliced), or until they are just tender but still crisp. Drain the beans immediately and cool them in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.

3. Dry the beans. Once the beans are cool, drain them thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove any excess water.

4. Pack the beans. Place the beans in freezer bags or containers, ensuring that they are airtight. Label the bags or containers with the date and contents.

5. Freeze the beans. Place the beans in the freezer and freeze for up to 1 year.

When ready to use, remove the beans from the freezer and thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water. You can use frozen runner beans in soups, stews, casseroles, and other recipes.