Frozen green beans stay good between 12 and 18 months in the freezer. Experts say that low acid canned foods such as green beans are probably OK to eat up to 5 years. In order to ensure freshness any canned produce must be kept in a location that is cool and dry. You don't want to put canned green beans where they are going to be exposed to extreme swings of temperature.

Please check out our page of questions and answers about freezing and canning green beans.

What Type of Green Beans are Best For Canning?

You can use any type of green bean you prefer. Make sure that those you are canning are mature and crisp. Make sure that they're the freshest green beans you can find.

How Many Green Beans Should I Can?

For each 1/2 pound of raw green beans you are canning you will need one quart jar. One bushel of un-prepared green beans will produce between 14-20 quart jars.

Preparing Jars for the Canning Process

The first thing to do is get your jars and lids ready. Make sure the jars have no cracks or chips in the rim. More importantly check the jar lids. Do not use metal screw bands that are rusted or dented. You should use new flat lids every time you can. Sterilize the jars and lids. This can be done in boiling water for ten minutes or in the dishwasher using the sterilize cycle. Keep the jars in hot water before you use them.

Preparing Green Beans for Canning

Wash the beans, trim the ends and cut the beans. Cut the beans to whatever length you prefer. Most people cut their beans 1 to 1 1/2 inches in length, some leave them longer, 3 to 4 inches. I like to put up green beans of different lengths.

Put the raw green beans into a jar leaving one inch of space at the top for expansion during cooking. This is the time to add salt if you like, about 1/2 teaspoon.

Slowly and carefully pour boiling water into the jar just covering the green beans. Use a plastic spatula to remove any noticeable air bubbles. Wipe the rim and place the flat lid and screw band tightly onto the jar. Don't twist the lid on with all your might, just snug them making sure they're tight.

Don't twist the lids after the beans are cooked, this could break the seal.

Cooking Green Beans in the Pressure Cooker

Fill your pressure cooker with 3-4 inches of water always follow the manufacturer instructions. It saves time if you have already warmed up the water in the pressure cooker. Carefully place the jars into the pressure cooker. Once the pressure cooker has reached the proper pressure (usually 11 pounds) cook the green beans for 25 minutes adjusting temperature to keep the pressure at the proper pounds.

Carefully take the hot jars out of the pressure cooker and place them on a cooling rack. Let them thoroughly cool, undisturbed.

Enjoy Green Beans Any Time of the Year

Now that you have a wonderful supply of canned green beans you'll want fabulous recipes to use them in. Check out our easy and tasty green bean recipes found below.

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