How To Wash Green Beans To Remove Dirt and Pesticides, According to an Expert

We eat a lot of green beans in my house. They go great as a side dish with pretty much any meal. Plus, they’re a healthy addition to soups, stews, and salads.

Sometimes we buy a big bag of pre-washed green beans from Costco. But if we buy loose beans elsewhere, we rinse them in a colander right before using them. That’s pretty much the best way to get them clean, says Changmou Xu, PhD, assistant professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and member of the Institute of Food Technologists’ Fruit & Vegetable Products Division.

“Washing green beans is essential for food safety and quality, as it removes dirt, pesticide residues, bacteria, and chemical contaminants,” Xu says. “Since green beans grow close to the ground, they often carry soil and debris. Even organic green beans may have natural residues or approved pesticides, making rinsing necessary.”

Washing green beans also reduces the chance of illness from bacteria like salmonella or E. coli, Xu points out.

The Best Way to Clean Green Beans

All you need is the sink and a colander. “The best way to clean green beans is to rinse them under cold, running water,” Xu says. “Placing them in a colander and gently rubbing them with your hands while rinsing helps remove any dirt or chemical residues.”

If the beans are visibly dirty—for example, if you just got them right from the farm or your garden—soak them in a bowl of cold water for a few minutes before rinsing. If you want a deeper clean, you can soak them in a baking soda solution of 1 teaspoon per 2 cups of water. You can also use a soft-bristle brush to gently remove any dirt that’s stuck to the surface of the beans.

Wash Green Beans When You’re Ready to Use Them

Don’t wash your beans as soon as you get them home. Instead, store them unwashed in the crisper drawer in a perforated plastic bag or a breathable container. Skip the airtight bag or container because that can trap moisture and make green beans spoil more quickly.

“Washing too early introduces moisture, which can create an environment for mold and bacteria growth, leading to faster spoilage,” Xu says. If you do wash them ahead of time, be sure to pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel before you, especially if you’re going to put them in the fridge.

If your green beans have been sitting in your refrigerator for a while, be sure to check if they are fresh before you use them. “Green beans that are past their prime will become limp or rubbery, indicating a loss of freshness,” Xu says. “As they continue to spoil, they may develop dark spots, mold, or a slimy texture, signaling potential microbial growth.” If they don’t smell so great, throw them in the compost pile.

If they’re just a little soft, Xu has a tip. “If green beans lose their crispness, soaking them in ice water for 10 to 15 minutes before cooking can help restore their firmness.”