Wash and trim fresh green beans
Cut beans to fit your jars if needed
Sterilize canning jars, lids, and bands
Pack green beans tightly into hot jars
Add boiling water to cover the beans, leaving 1 inch of headspace
Remove air bubbles with a nonmetallic tool
Wipe jar rims clean
Place lids on jars and screw bands fingertip-tight
Process jars in a boiling water bath for 20 minutes if using pickled green beans
Keep jars fully covered with water during processing
Remove jars and let them cool undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours
Check seals after cooling
Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place
Refrigerate any unsealed jars and use them soon