Is there any safe way to can green beans without a pressure canner?

Question

I'm just researching the supplies I need for canning next year, (i'm really excited) and I thought I would only need a canning bath type thing...but I wanted to grow green beans, and I'm just wondering if there is any way to can them without the pressure canner?

Answer 1

You can  make pickled green beans in a regular water bath canner - they are fabulous with lots of dill and garlic! The vinegar makes them acid enough as to not require a pressure canner.

If you want to make them 'straight' you must use a pressure canner. Don't even think about fudging on this one. You can really make someone super sick if you don't treat your beans to the pressure and heat that only a pressure canner can provide.

To buy one, yes they are expensive. Some places rent them but if you plan on a harvest every year, it might be a good investment.

My mother in law gave me hers and I love it although the first time I used it I thought it was going to blow up!

Answer 2

Get some canning information from your state extenion office. Green beans are especially tricky to can safely. Improperly treated green beans can develop botulism, a deadly poison.