To dry green beans in the sun, you need to place them on a screen and set them out in the sunshine, taking them in at night, until they are adequately dried. This slow air-drying process is specifically noted for curing the flavor associated with "leather britches," a traditional method for preserving green beans.
Simple Steps for Sun Drying Green Beans
Sun drying green beans is a traditional and straightforward preservation method. It relies on natural heat and airflow to remove moisture, concentrating the bean's flavor.
Here's how to do it based on the referenced technique:
- Prepare the Green Beans: Start with fresh, blemish-free green beans. You can leave them whole or string them if necessary, depending on the bean variety. Some people prefer to snap them into smaller pieces, but leaving them whole is also common for this method.
- Use a Drying Screen: You'll need a screen or mesh surface that allows air circulation from both the top and bottom. Food-grade screens are ideal. Lay your prepared green beans out in a single layer on the screen. Avoid piling them up, as this prevents even drying and can lead to mold.
- Place in Sunshine: Position the screen with the green beans in a location that receives direct sunlight throughout the day. Ensure the area is protected from rain and pests.
- Bring Indoors at Night: It is crucial to take the screen with the green beans in at night. This prevents moisture from dew or nighttime humidity from rehydrating the beans, which can hinder the drying process and encourage spoilage.
- Monitor and Continue: Leave the beans out during sunny days, bringing them in each evening, until they are adequately dried. The drying time will vary depending on humidity, temperature, and the size of the beans. They are adequately dried when they are brittle and break easily.
- Patience for Flavor: The reference highlights that this slow air-drying process is key to curing the flavor associated with leather britches. Resist the temptation to speed up the process using a dehydrator, as it won't achieve the same flavor profile.
Why Sun Drying for "Leather Britches"?
The specific mention of "leather britches" points to a historical Appalachian method where green beans are strung together and air-dried, often outdoors or in a warm, dry place. Sun drying on a screen is a variation of this slow air-drying technique. The slow moisture removal concentrates the bean's flavor and creates a unique texture that is distinct from beans dried rapidly in a dehydrator. When rehydrated and cooked, these beans have a rich, intense flavor prized in traditional recipes.
In summary, sun drying green beans involves spreading them on a screen, placing them in the sun during the day, and bringing them inside at night until they are completely dry and brittle. This method, as indicated by the reference, is particularly valued for developing a specific cured flavor.
