How to Pick & Preserve White Beans

Beans and legumes are some of the least expensive and healthiest sources of protein on the planet, and growing them in your home garden lets you provide these healthy, tasty treats for your family fresh from the harvest, straight to your table. White beans are grown on the vine and left there to ripen until all of the beans are hardened and all of the leaves have browned and fallen off in the autumn. You'll know they are ready for harvest when you nibble on a shell and your teeth barely leave a dent. Once it's time for harvest, pick those beans, and store them to keep them ripe for longer.

Things You'll Need

• Garden gloves
• Bucket or barrel
• Sharp knife
• Air-tight jar

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Pull the bean pods from the plant with gloved hands, and place them in a bucket or barrel. Pull off all of the pods that are ready for harvest. If necessary, you can come back later for others once they have had time to dry more.

   • 2

     Split each bean pod to reveal the dried beans inside. This can generally be done by lightly applying pressure with your finger or fingernail. If necessary, use a sharp kitchen knife to gently split the pods.

   • 3

     Empty the dried beans into a glass or plastic jar that has an air-tight lid or seal. Fill the jar, and then seal it tightly against the air. Beans preserved this way can be stored for up to a year.