This easy Preserving Green Beans Recipe is simple and delicious. From blanching the beans to adding the best spices to canning. Everything you need to know to make the best Canned Green Beans.

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Preserving Green Beans

These of course are another recipe I learned from my mother-in-law. She would preserve a lot of vegetables for the winter from Artichokes under oil to Eggplant and Zucchini. But one of my favourites was always these perfectly spiced Green Beans. I don’t think they lasted until the winter time for us.

How to make Preserved Green Beans

In a large pot add vinegar and water bring to a boil then add the salt and trimmed green beans.

Cook until al dente, then drain well and place on a clean tea towel to dry completely.

Place the dry beans in a large bowl and toss well with the spices.

Place the beans in the clean sterilized jars, be sure to leave about 1/2 inch from the top of the jar free. Cover the beans completely with oil.

How long to boil the beans

The beans should be boiled for about 8 -12 minutes, remember they need to be al dente and not mushy.

How to Sterilize the Jars

In the oven – At least 20 minutes before filling the mixture, preheat the oven to 300 F (150C) then place the empty clean jars, without the lids on a cookie sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Remove them from the oven and let cool for 3-5 minutes.
In a large Pot – Wrap the jars in cotton towels and place them in the pot, then fill the pot with room temperature water and place over medium high heat. Bring to a boil and boil for 30 minutes. Then remove them very carefully, and let them dry and drain upside down on a clean cloth.
In the Dishwasher – Place the jars upside down in the dishwasher by themselves without any other dishes. Run the the dishwasher on the shorter program. Once the program is finished, rinse the jars with a some vinegar. Put them back in the dishwasher and restart the rinse cycle.

How to store the beans

The jars can be stored at room temperature for up to three months, once the jars are open store in the fridge and use within 7 days.

What is the best oil to use

Most Italians use either sunflower or corn oil, mainly because they usually preserve a large amount so this type of oil is cheaper. Although if you do prefer to use olive oil, then the beans should be consumed within 6 months, because olive oil has a stronger taste and will also change the taste of the green beans.

Whichever oil you decide to use be sure to cover the beans completely, this will keep mold from forming, if it does form, they will need to be tossed.

Why are Vegetables Boiled in an acidic mixture?

You will need to boil your vegetables in an acidic mixture such as a white wine vinegar. Acidity kills the toxin Botulinum, which can develop in canned goods which have been prepared improperly.

How to serve Preserved Green Beans

They can be served as a side dish or even appetizer. Remove the beans from the jar with tongs and serve.

So if you are looking to try your hand at preserving, I hope you give this Preserving Green Beans a try and let me know how it goes. Buon Appetito!