Can You Buy Fresh Green Beans Year Round?

Even though some people don’t like their daily greens, the green bean lives up to its name. We at Team Fetch agree that these magic beans should be eaten when they’re at their best, which is why we’ve put together the best guide to when green beans are in season, how to store them, how to cook them, and more!

Green beans are in season from late spring through early fall, typically from May through October. It’s no surprise that green bean prices are lowest when they’re not in season. If you want to save money, the best times to buy are in the winter and early spring.

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Green beans are a versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in everything from fresh salads to hearty casseroles. Their crunchy texture and sweet grassy flavor make them a favorite for many. But when can you find fresh green beans during the year? Are they available year-round or only seasonally?

The good news is that advances in agriculture and transportation now allow fresh green beans to be available in grocery stores nearly year-round However, their peak season still remains the warmer months when they are harvested locally.

Year-Round Availability of Fresh Green Beans

Thanks to modern food systems, fresh green beans can be found in most grocery stores all 12 months of the year.

While locally grown beans are at their freshest from summer to early fall, improved transportation means beans can be shipped from other regions during the colder months. Hothouse and greenhouse technology also allows some farms to grow green beans nearly year-round.

However, out-of-season fresh beans are most likely imported from other countries. And beans trucked long distances or grown out of season will never be quite as flavorful as local in-season beans.

Still, it is convenient that we can now enjoy fresh green beans in things like salads and stir-fries no matter the time of year. Just expect the best flavor and texture during the summer and early fall.

Peak Season for Green Beans

The peak season for fresh green beans generally runs from June through September. During these warmer months, green beans are being harvested across most regions, making fresh, local beans plentiful.

Some signs that green beans are hitting their prime season include:

Markets and farms flooded with bushels of fresh beans
Lower prices on beans as supply increases
Wider variety available like green Romano and yellow wax beans
Signs and ads for “fresh picked green beans”

During peak green bean season, prices drop, quality surges, and local availability abounds. This is the best time to buy beans for canning, freezing, and enjoying in all your favorite recipes.

Out of Season Bean Options

When fresh green beans are harder to source locally, there are a few options:

Imported fresh beans – these allow year-round fresh bean enjoyment, though flavor and texture may be less crispy and vibrant than peak season beans.
Frozen beans – flash freezing preserves texture and flavor fairly well. Look for plain frozen beans with no sauces or seasonings.
Canned beans – while less crunchy, canned beans can work in casseroles, soups, etc. Rinse before use.
Dried beans – require rehydrating but offer versatility in stews, side dishes, and more.
Pickled beans – preserve summer’s bounty via quick pickling fresh beans yourself. Enjoy all year.

So while buying super fresh green beans in January can be a challenge, there are still options for enjoying their flavor during their off-season.

Tips for Picking Peak Season Beans

When green bean season arrives, keep these tips in mind:

Shop at local farmer’s markets when possible for just-picked beans.
Look for vibrant green color without brown spots or blemishes.
Choose slender, crisp beans, avoiding bulging or limp pods.
Plan to use fresh beans within 3-5 days for best quality.
Store beans in the refrigerator in a breathable bag or container.
Wash just before use.

Prioritizing beans from local sources means you can enjoy green beans at their seasonal best.

How to Enjoy Fresh Green Beans

When green beans are picked fresh, there are endless options for enjoyment:

Toss raw green beans into fresh salads.
Lightly steam or sauté beans to retain a tender-crisp texture.
Roast beans in the oven with olive oil, salt, and garlic.
Grill beans for a charred flavor.
Pickle raw beans for a tangy, crunchy snack.
Add to stir fries, pastas, soups, and more.

With a few seasoning ideas and cooking methods, you can take advantage of green beans year-round.

Thanks to improved transportation and farming, fresh green beans can now be purchased year-round at many grocery stores. However, locally grown seasonal beans still offer peak flavor and texture typically during summer and early fall. Outside of green bean season, frozen, canned, dried, and pickled beans can provide an alternative way to enjoy their taste. With proper selection and storage, you can incorporate fresh green beans into healthy recipes all year.

can you buy fresh green beans year round

How to cook green beans

There’s more than one way to skin a cat – er, cook a green bean. We’re partial to other cooking methods besides plain and boiled. Follow these tips for our some of our favorite methods:

How to store green beans to make them last longer

Fresh green beans that haven’t been washed should be kept in a reusable container or storage bag and kept in the crisper drawer or section of your fridge for up to seven days.

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FAQ

Are green beans available year round?

Green beans are in season from late spring through early fall, typically from May through October. Not surprisingly, prices on green beans are usually at their lowest when they are out of season, so winter and early spring are the best times to buy for cost-conscious shoppers.

Can you buy fresh green beans and freeze them?

Green beans can be frozen in their raw state, but consider blanching and shocking them for the best results. Not only does cooking them this way lock in their vibrant green color, but Registered Dietitian and Chef Abbie Gellman says it also eliminates surface microorganisms and dirt, preventing deterioration.

Do green beans produce all season?

Bush beans – Plants are small, compact (in the two-feet range), and mature more quickly, some within 50 days – so you can start them from seed for much of the summer. They produce most of their crop at once, though the plants will keep producing if you keep them well-harvested.

What month do you plant green beans?

Green beans are a warm season crop that can be planted as soon as the danger of frost has passed in the spring. Green beans grow best when air temperatures range from 65°F to 85°F. Soil temperatures should be at least 55°F for good seed germination.

Are frozen green beans good?

The best green beans are small, thin and firm. The peak season for green beans is July to September, but you can find fresh green beans year-round. If it’s out of season or you want to save money, frozen green beans are great convenience item to keep in your freezer for quick and easy cooking.

How do you know if green beans are good?

Avoid limp or flabby beans that do not break with a crisp sound. Avoid any beans that have brownish scars. The best green beans are small, thin and firm. The peak season for green beans is July to September, but you can find fresh green beans year-round.

When should I use green beans?

For this reason, it’s best to use green beans as soon as possible after purchasing. If you have access to a greenmarket, unrefrigerated fresh green beans from a farm stand will almost always be better than beans from a supermarket that have been bred with more fiber to help them survive transportation by cold storage.

Should you pick green beans at the right time?

Picking green beans at just the right time is something of an art form, a blend of careful observation and timing. I’ve found that there is a sweet spot when the pods are crisp, almost as thick as a pencil, yet still tender.