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What Happens If You Eat Bad Green Beans

What Happens If You Eat Bad Green Beans? Answered

Last Updated on March 15, 2024 by Shari Mason

Green beans are a highly desired vegetable, as they are tasty both when cooked and raw. They are rich in fiber, along with vitamins A and C, as well as important minerals such as potassium and magnesium.

However, if they are not stored properly or are not fresh, they can become contaminated with bacteria and cause food poisoning. 

In this blog post, we will discuss what happens if you eat bad green beans and the symptoms of food poisoning caused by green beans.

What Could Happen If You Eat Spoiled Green Beans?

sack of green beans

If you’re lucky, nothing will happen. However, if the green beans are contaminated with bacteria, you could experience food poisoning.

Symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, food poisoning can lead to hospitalization or even death. 

If you have any green beans past their expiration date, it’s best to err on the side of caution and throw them out. Eating spoiled food is not worth the risk.

Read: What Does Red Bean Taste Like?

How To Tell If Greens Beans Have Gone Bad

Look For Signs of Withering

The first thing you’ll notice with bad green beans is that they’ll have lost their lively, bright color. Instead, they will appear dull and drab. In addition to discoloration, bad green beans will also be wilted and limp. But how much is a bushel of green beans?

Don’t Be Fooled By Brown Spots

green bean with brown spot

Beans that have gone bad will often have brown spots on them. While it’s normal for green beans to have the occasional brown spot, you should avoid beans that are covered in them.

Smell The Beans

Another way to tell if green beans have gone bad is by smelling them. Fresh green beans will have a grassy smell. If they smell sour or rotting, they’ve gone bad and should be thrown out.

Taste The Beans

If you’re still unsure if the green beans are good, go ahead and give them a taste. Fresh green beans will have a crisp, crunchy texture. If they’re soft or mushy, they’ve gone bad.

Read: Green Peas vs Sweet Peas

How Long Do Green Beans Last?

Typically, fresh green beans will last about a week in the fridge.

When stored properly, frozen green beans can last up to eight months. However, they will start to lose their flavor and texture after about four months.

Canned green beans can last for two to three years, but again, they will start to lose their flavor and texture after a year. But what type of meat goes with lima beans for dinner?

How To Store Green Beans

green beans on a ziplock

Green beans are a versatile and delicious vegetable that can be enjoyed year-round.

While they’re typically associated with summertime, green beans are actually quite easy to store. With proper care, green beans can last for weeks or even months in the fridge.

Here are a few tips for storing green beans:

  • Wash the green beans thoroughly before storing them.
  • Place the green beans in a clean, dry container.
  • Store the green beans in the fridge, away from other produce.
  • Check on the green beans regularly and remove any that have gone bad.

FAQs

Can you cook bad green beans?

If the green beans are only slightly bad, you may be able to cook them and salvage them. However, if they’re significantly spoiled, it’s best to throw them out.

Can bad green beans make you sick?

Yes, bad green beans can cause food poisoning. Symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you experience these symptoms after eating green beans, seek medical attention immediately.

What is the best way to cook green beans?

There are many different ways to cook green beans, but one of the simplest and most delicious is to sauté them in olive oil and garlic. You can also add other seasonings, such as salt, pepper, or herbs, to taste. 

Another easy method is to roast the green beans in the oven. Simply toss them with a bit of olive oil and your favorite spices, then bake at a high temperature until they’re crispy.

Find out how you can freeze green beans without blanching here.

Can green beans have salmonella?

Yes, green beans can carry salmonella bacteria. This bacteria can cause food poisoning, so it’s important to wash your hands thoroughly after handling green beans. You should also cook the green beans thoroughly before eating them. [1]

Can you eat green beans raw?

Yes, you can eat green beans raw. However, they may be more digestible if you cook them first. 

Blanch the green beans in boiling water for a few minutes before eating them. This will help to soften them and make them easier to digest.

Final Thoughts

Green beans are a healthy and delicious addition to any diet. By following these tips, you can enjoy them for weeks or even months. Just be sure to check on them regularly and remove any that have gone bad. 

And if you’re ever unsure, it’s always better to be cautious and throw them out.

Have you ever eaten bad green beans? What happened? Tell us about it in the comments!

Reference:

  1. https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/salmonellosis/basics.html
Shari Mason

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