Postharvest Produce Guide - Green Beans

Maturity: Color is bright, pods are firm, straight, seeds small; beans snap when bent. Pod is 4-6” in length (depending on variety).

Fresh green beans.
photo: David A. Kess, NC State

Remove field heat quickly after harvest, store at 37-45°F, 95% RH, for up to 7-10 days. Packaging options may include clamshells or vented plastic bags.


 


Quality Specifications

Stems are green, pods are free from insect, disease damage; beans are clean, no broken pods, no leaves or dirt.
fresh green beans showing fresh stems

Common Quality Issues


Beans are dull, off-color, pithy. Dried stems indicate product is old. Yellowing may be caused by exposure to ethylene.


yellowed, old beans
green beans with debris

Presence of leaves, debris is undesirable.