Tips to cook with breech beans
What's the story
Breech beans, with their stunning color and intense flavor, can be incorporated into a range of dishes. Preserving these beans helps retain their flavor and nutritional value for longer. Here are some effective ways to preserve breech beans, along with some delicious recipes to relish them all year round. Whether you're a pro or just learning how to cook, these tips will enhance your breech bean crop.
Freezing method
Freezing breech beans for longevity
Freezing is one of the easiest ways to store breech beans without compromising on nutrition. First, wash the beans properly and trim their ends. Blanch them in boiling water for three minutes, then quickly place them in an ice bath to cool. Once cooled, drain and pack them into airtight containers or freezer bags before placing them in the freezer. This trick can keep your breech beans fresh for as long as 12 months.
Pickling process
Pickling breech beans with spices
Pickling gives a tangy twist to breech beans. First, sterilize jars and lids. In a bowl, mix vinegar, water, salt, sugar, garlic, dill, and mustard seeds for the solution. Fill the jars with beans and cover with the solution until submerged. Seal the jars and store them in a cool place for two weeks before enjoying.
Canning technique
Canning breech beans safely
Canning is a great way to preserve breech beans long-term without refrigeration. However, use a pressure canner, as it guarantees safety by killing harmful bacteria with high-temperature processing. Cleanse your jars well before filling them with blanched breech beans; add boiling water, leaving a one-inch headspace on top of each jar; seal tightly with lids; process as per manufacturer's instructions based on altitude levels, ensuring proper sealing during cooling phase post processing.
Dehydration method
Dehydrating breech beans naturally
Dehydrating breech beans also makes them light-weight snacks. Wash and trim the pods, slice evenly and spread them in a single layer on the dehydrator trays at 125 degrees Fahrenheit to 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Drying takes six to eight hours (depending on humidity) until they're crisp. This method can preserve beans for ages, hence, makes a practical choice for annual harvests.