Usually once the pods turn, you can harvest. They are fine dried if you like. Its probably the easiest thing to do with them. I don't know much more about a black bean, but suggest that you go to the newly created forum for LEGUMES and BEANS. There, you might find more info. Canning would require a pressure canner. Freezing can be done after a blanching.

Let them dry until the shell dries to "paper", then shell them. I also think storing them dry in a jar would be easiest and then can be used as desired.

If the pods are yellow it's too late to can them as shellie beans, because they already are drying out. So let them go all the way, and store them as dry beans.

If you want to can some next year, harvest them when the pods are filled out, but haven't changed color yet. Beans need to be processed in a pressure canner.

If for some reason you can't let them dry on the vine (such as too much moisture, or threatening frosts, or what have you), shuck the beans into open-weave baskets and let them air-dry thoroughly, stirring once or twice a day.

To tell if a bean is dry enough, put one on a hard surface and strike it with a hammer. If it shatters it's ready to be stored. If it just sort of mushes, it needs more drying time.

Storing beans is one of the ways those half-gallon Mason jars really come into their own.

Do you need recipes for those black beans?

"Do you need recipes for those black beans?"

I do. In a Cuban restaurant, I had a side dish of exceptionally good black beans. They were plain (cooked with seasonings of course) and served in just some of the pot likker.

These beans were perfect -- beautiful, glossy black with no dominating flavor, just a nice satisfying beany taste. I've tried to duplicate them and haven't quite succeeded. I doubt there is any secret about the ingredients. It's a simple dish. The secret must be in the method of preparation and attention to detail,

Any hints would be appreciated.

Jim

I would LOVE recipes! Thanks! And thanks for the suggestions! I think I will try letting them dry on the vine and then place them in a basket to conclude the drying process.
By letting them vine dry won't I stop production? I though they only kept producing if you removed the pods?
Bethany

That's correct. But if you pick them when they're leathery, and finish drying in baskets, the vines will quickly set new flowers and fruit.

Beans have a maximum fruit-load point, which is why they stop producing once you let them dry. But if you pick some, you make room for more to grow.

Horticulturally it's more complex than that. But in practical terms, it's that simple.

The same is true of cucumbers. If you notice that your cukes are not producing, look for a few 'watermelons', and that usually will get them growing again once you remove these big, overgrown ones.

Great information! My first time try at black beans has been a prolific experience.... I have begun to shuck them - the pods are drying and beans turning black. I will put them in a basket as suggested. Would love some of the recipes, too! Thanks

Karen in SC

Would I be able to can my black beans that I cooked fresh from the bag? If so, I would like to know how.

Thank you, Julese Cepero

Here's how, it's easy - I canned a bunch of black beans just a couple days ago. :-)