Green Beans Take This Long To Go Bad
Green beans are versatile vegetables that can be enjoyed in many different dishes. They can be steamed, stir-fried, or even eaten raw in salads or on a veggie tray. But like all fresh produce, green beans have a limited shelf life and will eventually go bad.
Unfortunately, if you're buying loose, fresh green beans at the grocery store, it can be difficult to know how long they will last once you get them home since they don't come with a "use by" date. Because green beans are often sold in bulk and not individually packaged, it can be hard to tell when they were picked or how long they have been sitting on the produce shelf in the grocery store.
If you're mindful of seasonality and buy produce that is in season, it will generally last much longer than if you purchase it out of season. That said, the rules of seasonality don't really apply to green beans, because they can be picked and sold year-round, with the freshest green beans typically being found at local farmer's markets during the summer (via Food Network).
How long will green beans stay fresh?
Generally speaking, cooked and raw green beans will last for about 5 to 7 days if kept in the refrigerator and stored properly, according to Eat By Date.
If you purchase green beans from the grocery store, it is important to make sure that they are fresh and undamaged. Keep them in a sealed plastic bag or container and place them in the coldest part of your refrigerator, away from any fruits or vegetables that produce ethylene gas (such as bananas, apples, and tomatoes), as ethylene gas can cause green beans to spoil more quickly (per Nutrition You Can Trust).
Another way to extend the life of green beans is to wash them just before you are ready to use them. Washing green beans too far in advance can cause them to become waterlogged, wilt, or even develop mold before you get the chance to use them.
For long-term storage, green beans can be blanched and frozen for up to 8 months. The benefit to this method is that once you cook your frozen green beans, they will taste just as crisp and vibrant as if you had picked them from the garden yourself.
Whether you are cooking up a quick side dish for dinner or planning on stocking your freezer with some produce, it is important to know how long green beans can stay fresh and be enjoyed at their best. With proper care and storage, you can enjoy this versatile vegetable for days (and even months) to come.