Freezing is like a pause button for your green beans - it stops the aging process and preserves their nutrients. When you freeze green beans, the water inside the beans forms ice crystals that help break down the cell walls, making them softer and more prone to cooking.
But here's the thing: you need to blanch your green beans before freezing them. Don't worry, it's not as complicated as it sounds - just dip them in boiling water for a few minutes, then shock them in an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
This step is crucial because it inactivates the enzymes that can cause the beans to become mushy or develop off-flavors. Think of it like hitting the reset button on your green beans - it ensures they'll retain their texture and taste when you thaw them.