How to Dry Beans to Make Shucky Beans
Discover the time-honored art of making shucky beans with our guide on how to dry beans from scratch. This traditional Appalachian recipe transforms fresh green beans into a shelf-stable delicacy bursting with concentrated flavor. Using just a sewing needle, cotton thread, and a bit of patience, you’ll create strands of beans that dry naturally in a well-ventilated area over a few weeks. The result is a pantry staple perfect for hearty stews, soups, or as a standalone side dish. With minimal ingredients and a simple step-by-step process, learning to dry beans is both a culinary craft and a nod to preserving heritage cooking techniques. Perfect for homesteaders and anyone looking to elevate their homemade pantry essentials!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh green beans
- 1 spool cotton thread
- 1 piece sewing needle
Instructions
Wash the green beans thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
Snap off the ends of the green beans and remove any strings if present. Keep each bean whole, as smaller pieces may fall apart during the drying process.
Using a sewing needle and cotton thread, thread the green beans one at a time. Pierce each bean near the middle, and continue threading until you have a strand of beans about 2-3 feet long.
Once all the beans are threaded, knot the thread securely to prevent the beans from slipping off.
Find a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area to hang the bean strands for drying. A covered porch, attic, or pantry with good airflow works well.
Hang the bean strands where they will not touch each other to allow air to circulate evenly around the beans.
Let the beans dry completely, which can take 2-3 weeks depending on the humidity and airflow. The beans should be shriveled, leathery, and fully dry to the touch.
Once fully dried, store the beans in a sealable container or airtight bag. Keep them in a cool, dry place until ready to cook.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
281 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 1.8 g | 2% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.9 g | 4% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 54 mg | 2% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 64.4 g | 23% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 30.8 g | 110% | |
| Total Sugars | 29.9 g | ||
| Protein | 16.3 g | 33% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 336 mg | 26% | |
| Iron | 9.1 mg | 51% | |
| Potassium | 1914 mg | 41% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
