stringing runner beans?

Sarahlou_2

So I take the beans out? Sorry I'm so confused!!!

PollyFlinders_3

No - eat the green outer part and the pink beans too

Sarahlou_2

Brill - the penny has dropped lol! Thanks guys....

tandraig

a quick way of stringing or should that be de-stringing runner beans is to use one of those potato peeler thingys. i destring the beans all at once then slice them on a really long diagonal witha knife. so the slices are all about half inch thick and about two and half inches long. then drop into pan of boiling salted water and cook (at almost boiling) for about 7 -8 minutes . I hate them all crisp but dont like them floppy! so fish one out and taste it then decide if they need a few mins more or that next time will give them few mins less. drain thoroughly and toss in some butter and black pepper. lovely - am going to do some later with new potatoes and bacon.

flutterbyuk25

Mmm green beans. My parents have grown loads this year so i have a fridge full! They freeze well - top, tail, de-string and chop how you like first. They are also nice in stir-fries.

x

Botany

tandraig wrote: »

a quick way of stringing or should that be de-stringing runner beans is to use one of those potato peeler thingys.

Was about to say the same. I use a potato peeler and feel much safer for doing so (I can be exceptionally clumsy ... )

mrs_thrifty_2

Im going to try the peeler next time - sounds like a good tip!

chocolatepennyfarthing

What do I need to do the beans in order to freeze them. Have been given a couple of large bags so want to keep them for a later date.

Botany

Chocolatepennyfarthing, personally I would wash them, top and tail them, de-string them (see the posts above regarding the strings) and pack them in a suitable container (could use a freezer bag, or a freezable tuppaware... anything you have available or that you prefer), and then just shove them in the freezer

To be fair, you could freeze them 'as they are', but personally I prefer stuff that I store in the freezer to be all washed and ready for use so that if I need to grab a handful of runner beans in a hurry I just open the freezer and there they are!

(Also a bit of a hassle to wash/cut veg when it's frozen so why not do it beforehand)

Hope this helps!!!

Botany

Ops I forget. If you really have a large amount of veg, I would suggest you divide it into portions and freeze it in separate containers/bags because that way you don't risk it freezing into a huge, solid block!