Canning Green Beans

One of the my first gardening memories has to do with growing green beans.  They aren't pretentious, exotic or even difficult to grow, which is exactly why they were the perfect vegetable to begin with.

Of course, with them being such an easy crop to grow, that means you have to do something with the excess, and that means canning.  

Well, at least for me.  I prefer canning as opposed to freezing.  It's just a personal thing.  I love the convenience of opening the jars and having food a few minutes away from eating.  Plus, the bonus of seeing them lined up on my pantry shelves is visual therapy.  

Once picked, these emerald green beans benefit from a good bath.  I've found it easier to just soak them a few times in a large bowl and rinse.

Once washed, snap or cut them to the size you would like to eat.  I tend to leave mine in nice size pieces as they hold up better during processing.  Once snapped, it's time to load up those jars.

Now to those jars...Not just any type of jar, but canning jars of course.  My collection includes ones I purchased and others I inherited from my mom and some I picked up at yard sales through the years.  I really enjoy bringing them out and some of the memories connected with them...like a bicentennial jar my mom gave me...cool.
Whatever your jars, make sure they are freshly washed in hot soapy water, air dried and ready to hold those beans.  

Get your lids and rings ready.  Pour some very hot water into a small bowl and place your lids in there until ready to place on your jars.  

Put the kettle on and get some water on the boil.  Add your boiling water to the filled jars. This is also the time to add whatever seasonings you want to add to your beans.  I add a light salt and garlic powder or a fresh clove.  Run a knife along the sides to release any trapped bubbles and add more beans until the jars are filled with a half inch and covered by hot water.

Wipe the rims of the jars with a fresh clean cloth and place your lids and rings on and tighten.  Place these jars in your canner and follow the directions included with the canner.  I have a 12 quart canner I've used for many years.  It was a bit of an investment, but I have gotten years and years of use from it, so well worth every penny.  

Once processed, bring out your jars with one of these and let them cool.  You'll get to enjoy hearing the pop of the lids as they seal and owning your own canned produce.  The nice thing about it all is that you control what goes into them and how they were grown.  So nice!

Here's hoping you were inspired to can something of your own this year.  A great way to start out is with a friend...I got to help out a friend a few years ago, gifted them with a Ball's Blue Book to Preserving and they've been canning ever since.  Be sure to check out more canning how-to's online.  I've listed one here to get you started.  

What are some things you would like to can this year?  Blessings!

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