Have you bought a bunch of green beans? Are they looking different from when you first got them? You may be asking yourself:
Do green beans go bad? How long do they last?
Here are the answers to your questions. Like any vegetable, green beans do go bad. Unfortunately, they do not have a long shelf-life. Generally, green beans last up to 5-7 days in the fridge.
Signs Green Beans Have Spoiled
Make sure to determine whether your green beans are still fresh before using them in your dishes.
The first sign to look out for is the texture and color of your green beans. They should be green and snap in half when you break them. Over time, they will brown and become less crispy.
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean they are spoiled, but they have lost some quality.
If you find mold or black spots on your green beans, this is a sure sign that your green beans have gone bad. Next, look out for a soft, mushy texture in your green beans. If that’s the case, get rid of them. Take a whiff of your green beans; if they have an off smell, discard them.
How To Store Green Beans
Green beans should be stored in the vegetable drawer in the fridge. Keep your green beans away from sources of light and heat.
You can store your green beans in a plastic bag or container. Cooked green beans should also be kept in the fridge in an airtight container.
Pro tip: don’t wash your green beans before storing them, as this could speed up the rate at which they go bad. Instead, give them a good wash when you’re about to use them in your cooking.
How To Freeze Green Beans
Green beans can be stored in the freezer for a longer storage time. You may want to blanch your green beans before you store them in the freezer.
First, you should prep your green beans. Wash your green beans thoroughly and remove the stems. You can even cut them into smaller pieces to make better use of your storage space.
The next step is optional. You can start to blanch your vegetables. Put your green beans in boiling water for 3 minutes. After that, soak them in ice water for the same amount of time.
Dry your green beans thoroughly. You can use a paper towel to help absorb the excess moisture. Finally, place your dried green beans in freezer bags, removing the air and sealing it tightly. Then freeze your green beans for up to 6 months.
The Bottom-Line
The green bean, string bean, or snap bean is a great source of vitamins A, C, K, folic acid, and fiber. The nutrition of green beans is all the more reason to devour them as soon as possible.
Green beans have a short shelf life, however, freezing them is a good option to keep them fresher for longer. Generally, green beans last 5-7 days but six months if stored in the freezer. Look out for signs of spoilage if you doubt the freshness of your green beans.
