The Epicure's Almanac or Diary of Good Living
July 22nd : FRENCH BEANS FOR WINTER USE
Throw them into boiling water for one minute, then into cold, drain them immediately, and dry them separately and thoroughly in cloths. Put a layer of salt, about half an inch thick, in the bottom of a large earthen pan, then a layer of beans of about two inches thick, then salt as before, and beans, till the pan is filled, taking care to have the upper layer of salt.
The pan should be covered down with a large slate, and kept in a dry place. When you require a dish, take out the quantity and fill the gap up with salt. Soak the beans all night and morning previous to dressing, and add a little sub-carbon of soda, as before directed.