How to Harvest Beans: Bean Picking Made Simple

At Evolve Farm we grow a variety of pole bean called the Mountaineer Half Runner Bean. The cook up just like any other green bean but these are steeped in Appalachian history. 

Harvesting beans isn’t rocket science, but doing it right will give you the tastiest pods! Here’s your step-by-step guide:

Step-by-Step:

  1. Pick when the pods are young and tender – Ideally when they’re about 4-6 inches long, bright green, and slightly plump.
  2. Gently pull or snap – Use two hands: one to hold the vine, the other to gently pull the bean off. (Don’t yank—you’ll upset the whole plant!)

A Little History: The Mountaineer Half Runner Pole Bean Story

Mountaineer Half Runner Pole Beans have a rich Appalachian heritage. These beans have been a staple in Southern gardens for generations, tracing their origins to the rugged mountain regions where growing conditions weren’t always easy. Known for their resilience and prolific yields, they earned their “Mountaineer” name because, like the folks who grew them, they thrive in tough conditions, climbing high and producing consistently.

The term “half runner” refers to the way they grow. These beans are a hybrid of bush beans and pole beans, giving you the best of both worlds. They “half run” up a trellis or pole but don’t require quite as much support as a full-on pole bean. This unique quality makes them ideal for smaller gardens or backyard plots—perfect for anyone who loves fresh beans but might not have the space for traditional pole beans.

For generations, they’ve been a beloved part of Southern cooking, often featured in classic dishes like green beans and ham hocks or pickled for wintertime enjoyment. Their tender pods and reliable harvests have made them a go-to for homesteaders, gardeners, and bean lovers alike!

Nutritional Benefits: Why These Beans Are a Superfood in Disguise

Not only do Mountaineer Half Runner Beans taste amazing, but they’re also a nutritional powerhouse! Here’s what makes them so awesome:

  • Rich in fiber: Keeps your digestive system happy and regular.
  • Packed with vitamins: You’ll get a nice boost of Vitamin A, C, and K.
  • Low in calories: Enjoy as much as you like—these beans are light and guilt-free.
  • Protein power: Beans are a great plant-based source of protein, so they’ll fill you up and keep you energized.
  • Full of antioxidants: Keep those pesky free radicals at bay with every crunchy bite.

How to Clean and Store Your Freshly Picked Beans

So, you’ve picked your beans. Now let’s keep them fresh and crisp until it’s time to cook!

Cleaning Your Beans:

  1. Give them a quick rinse under cool water. No need for scrubbing—just wash away any dirt or garden critters.
  2. Pat them dry with a paper towel or leave them to air dry for a few minutes.

Storing Your Beans:

  1. Short-term: Pop them in a plastic or reusable bag in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 5-7 days.
  2. Long-term: For a bean feast later in the year, freeze them! Just blanch (boil for 2-3 minutes, then dunk in ice water), dry, and freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll last for up to 8 months—hello, winter beans!

Preserving Mountaineer Half Runner Beans: Keep ‘Em Coming All Year Long

Want to enjoy your beans long after the growing season ends? Here are a couple of ways to preserve them so you can keep the green goodness going!

1. Freezing:

  • Clean and blanch the beans, let them cool in an ice bath, then dry and freeze them in a single layer before moving to a bag. It’s the easiest way to store them for soups, stews, and side dishes all winter.

2. Pickling:

  • For tangy, crunchy beans that’ll spice up any snack platter, pickle your beans! Pack them into jars with a mixture of vinegar, garlic, dill, and a little heat if you like. Let them sit for a week or two, and voilà—delicious pickled beans!

3. Canning:

  • If you want to preserve a large haul of beans, canning is a great option. You’ll need a pressure canner to ensure safe canning, but the process is simple:
    • Blanch your beans.
    • Pack them into sterilized jars with water, leaving about an inch of headspace.
    • Process in a pressure canner for 20-25 minutes at 10 pounds of pressure.
    • Cool and store the jars for up to a year!

Three Easy and Delicious Recipes for Your Half Runner Beans

Ready to enjoy the fruits (or, uh, beans) of your labor? Here are three easy recipes that will have you loving every bite of your Mountaineer Half Runner Pole Beans:

Southern-Style Green Beans with Bacon

A classic Southern favorite that’s perfect for family dinners!

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb fresh Mountaineer Half Runner Beans
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Instructions:

  1. In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the bacon fat, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
  3. Add the beans to the skillet and pour in the chicken broth.
  4. Simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, until the beans are tender.
  5. Season with salt and pepper, then stir the bacon back in before serving.

Garlic-Parmesan Roasted Beans

For a quick and crispy side dish, this roasted bean recipe is perfect!

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb fresh Mountaineer Half Runner Beans
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
  2. Toss the beans with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  3. Spread the beans out on a baking sheet in a single layer.
  4. Roast for 15-20 minutes, until the beans are crispy and slightly browned.
  5. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve hot.

Bean and Potato Stew (Perfect for Canning!)

This hearty stew is packed with flavor and perfect for canning or freezing for later.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups Mountaineer Half Runner Beans, trimmed
  • 3 medium potatoes, diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, sauté the onion in a little olive oil until softened.
  2. Add the beans, potatoes, tomatoes, broth, and spices.
  3. Simmer for 30-40 minutes, until the beans and potatoes are tender.
  4. Serve hot or let cool and store in jars for canning or freezing!