My DIL picked the last of my green beans and since I am laid up with a separated shoulder, I am indeed grateful for everything she has done. I fixed some tonight and thought they were rather tough. This was not the first picking and I did pick out the ones that had beans in them. Anyway in order to take care of them with the least trouble, I am going to blanch and freeze in small batches, just to add to stews, soups, etc. Do you think I am wasting my time doing this or will the process make them even tougher? Thanks - Barb