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GREEN BEANS
Green beans are long, slender, meaty green pods with tiny seeds inside. They are often called string beans, not because they look like strings, but because older varieties had a fibrous string running down the pod’s seam. Today, however, green beans are stringless. Green beans are also often referred to as snap beans because of the sound they make when they are broken in pieces.
Varieties
The most common varieties of green beans include plain green beans (Blue Lake is a good variety), Italian (flat Romano), purple-podded (indistinguishable from baby green beans when cooked), yard-long, and wax beans (which are usually pale yellow).
Many similar varieties are also available, including baby French, haricot, and Chinese long. Baby French and haricot beans are thinner and more tender than conventional long beans. Chinese long beans measure12 to 14 inches (30.48–35.56cm) in length and are prepared the same as regular green beans.
Availability
Fresh green beans are available year-round; however, peak season is May to October. Baby green beans are extra-tender and choice. Canned and frozen green beans are available, too.
Preparation, uses, and tips
Before cooking, wash beans thoroughly in clear, cool water, and trim the tips.
Boiling, steaming, microwaving, and stir-frying are popular ways to prepare beans. Whatever cooking method you choose, remember to cook beans just until tender using the smallest amount of water; they should remain bright green.
Green beans can be served on their own or used in salads, casseroles, soups, and stir-fries—either whole, frenched (cut lengthwise), or cut into inch-long pieces. They can also be pickled.
To French beans (cut them into ribbon-thin lengths), trim the beans and, using a sharp knife or a vegetable peeler with frenching blades at one end, cut the beans into thin strands.
Nutritional Highlights
Beans (snap, green, raw), 10 beans (4 inches
[10cm] long) (55g)
Calories: 17
Protein: 1g
Carbohydrate: 4g
Total Fat: 0.06g
Fiber: 1.9g
Health benefits and concerns
Health benefits and
concerns for vegetables
Many health benefits and concerns associated with this food are applicable to other
vegetables. Read about health benefits and
concerns for vegetables for a full description.
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