Rinse fresh green beans thoroughly with cold water in a colander. Shake off the excess moisture to dry them. Cut the ends off many green beans by lining them up on a cutting board. Flip them over and repeat the process on the opposite side. Cut them into smaller pieces (to add to casseroles, salads, rice, or stew dishes) or leave them whole, depending on the recipe.
Prepare the beans by washing and trimming them. After rinsing them in a colander with cool running water, Snap off the stems. Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil while you’re working. A big bowl of ice water should be kept aside.