Green Beans

Also known asString Beans · Snap Beans · Phaseolus vulgaris

Name: Green beans, also called string beans, snap beans or runner-type beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) — the young, unripe pods of common beans, eaten whole, with a crisp texture and a mild, grassy, slightly sweet flavour.

Description

Common beans were domesticated in Mesoamerica and the Andes more than 7,000 years ago, and were brought to Europe by Spanish explorers after Columbus. Green beans were originally called “string beans” because of the tough string along the seam of the pod, which was bred out of modern stringless varieties.

Green beans are a staple of home cooking, in casseroles, stir-fries, soups and salads, and are widely sold fresh, frozen and canned. They come in long, flat and round types, and in green, yellow and purple colours. China is the largest producer.

Main nutrition value

Green beans provide vitamin K, vitamin C, folate, manganese and fibre, and are low in calories.

How best to be consumed

Green beans are best cooked briefly to stay crisp and bright.

1. Trim the ends, and steam, boil or blanch for 4 to 6 minutes until tender-crisp.
2. Sauté with garlic and olive oil, or toss with butter and almonds.
3. Roast at high heat with olive oil and salt until blistered.
4. Add to stir-fries, soups, stews and casseroles.
5. Do not eat raw in large amounts.

Overconsumption could cause…

Green beans are safe and healthy in food amounts when cooked.

1. Digestive upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea) from raw or undercooked beans, which contain natural lectins that cooking destroys, so always cook beans thoroughly.
2. Bloating and gas from the fermentable carbohydrates in beans and peas, particularly if you are not used to eating them.
3. Possible effects on warfarin and similar blood-thinning medicines because of the vitamin K content, so keep intake steady.
4. A lot of salt, fat and cream in traditional casseroles.

GroupsPods, Beans and PeasLegume familyLow fatLow sodiumRich in vitamin KFresh

Related foodsFrench BeansSnow PeasSugar Snap PeasLong Beans / Yardlong BeansWax BeansGreen Peas

Wikipedia — Green bean, used for origin, naming and history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_bean