U-Pick Green Beans
It’s green bean season at Farm On Central, and the fields are brimming with fresh, crisp green beans, just waiting to be picked by you. From now until Saturday, September 14th (2024), we’re opening up our fields for U-pick green beans. Whether you’re looking to fill your pantry or just want a fun family outing, this is a great way to enjoy the beautiful late summer weather and grab some delicious produce while you’re at it.
What to Expect
When you arrive at Farm On Central, our friendly staff will be ready to welcome you with baskets (or bring your own) and guide you right to the green bean patch. No tickets, no hassle—just show up ready to pick! Green beans are in their prime right now, and trust me, there’s nothing like the snap and crunch of beans picked fresh from the vine.
Fun for the Whole Family
Looking for an affordable family adventure? U-pick green beans are perfect. Your kids will love the hands-on experience of harvesting their own food, and it’s a great opportunity to talk to them about how things grow. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the beauty of the farm while stocking up on fresh green beans for the week. There’s something so satisfying about bringing home produce you picked yourself.
Why These Green Beans Are Worth It
Our green beans are more than just fresh—they’re downright delicious. Once you taste these tender, crisp beans, you’ll understand why so many people prefer picking their own straight from the field. Whether you’re grilling, steaming, or simply sautéing them with garlic and olive oil, you’ll notice the difference in flavor and texture compared to store-bought beans.
But Hurry! This U-Pick Ends Soon
Don’t wait! The U-pick green beans event ends on Saturday, September 14th. After that, they’ll be gone until next season. So grab your friends and family, and come out to Farm On Central for a day of fresh air, fun, and of course, farm-fresh green beans.
Recipe: Garlic-Kissed Green Beans with Israel’s Olive Gold
Now that you’ve got your fresh-picked beans, it’s time to whip up something simple and delicious. This dish pairs fresh green beans with fragrant garlic and smooth Israeli olive oil, creating a side that’s full of flavor and perfect with almost anything.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 pound fresh green beans (wash and trim the ends)
- 2 tablespoons Israeli olive oil (choose between our rich Makura Extra Virgin Olive Oil or the smooth Shiloh Blend, both available at the farm store)
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or pressed (farm store favorite!)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Steam the Green Beans: Fill a large saucepan with about an inch of water and bring it to a boil. Place the green beans in a steamer basket over the boiling water, cover, and steam for about 4-5 minutes. You want them tender, but still with a bit of crisp. Drain once they’re done.
- Sauté the Garlic: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until it’s golden and fragrant—be careful not to let it burn!
- Toss It All Together: Add the steamed green beans to the pan with the garlic and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, then toss well so the beans are evenly coated. Serve warm and enjoy!
This dish is versatile and pairs beautifully with everything from grilled steak to baked chicken or a hearty pasta dish like lasagna. It’s also a great make-ahead side for meal prep. Leftovers? Toss them cold into a salad for a crisp, garlicky bite!
Storage Tips for Fresh Green Beans
If you can’t eat them all in one go (or if you just went wild with the picking), don’t worry! Store your fresh green beans in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll last for 3-5 days. Leftovers can easily be reheated in the microwave or tossed into salads. They can even be blanched and frozen for longer term storage.
Canning and Shuck Beans
For those of you who like to preserve the taste of summer, canning your green beans is a great option. Not only does it extend the shelf life, but it gives you a pantry full of healthy, homegrown beans to use throughout the winter. And if you’re feeling a bit more traditional, why not try drying your beans to make shuck beans (or shucky beans as some call them)? This Appalachian method of preservation involves stringing the beans up to dry, then rehydrating and cooking them later. The result? A rich, hearty dish that’s been loved for generations.
So, come on out to Farm On Central before Saturday, September 14th, and pick some of the best green beans you’ll ever taste. Whether you’re making a fresh side dish or preserving them for later, there’s nothing better than food you’ve picked with your own two hands. See you at the farm!Visit farmoncentral.com/u-pick for more info and future U-pick events!
