What Are Green Beans?
Green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are a legume vegetable of the same species as dry beans, harvested and eaten with their pods before the seeds mature. The thin, long pods are usually green (sometimes yellow or purple), and are eaten along with the tiny seeds inside.
They are popular in hot dishes and cold olive-oil dishes for their fresh, crisp texture and mildly sweet flavor. They are grown abundantly in Türkiye during the summer.
Green Bean Nutrition Facts
Green beans are a low-calorie vegetable; 100 grams contain about 31 kcal of energy and 2.7 g of fiber. They are also notable for vitamin K and vitamin C content.
What Are the Benefits of Green Beans?
With their low calorie content and fiber, green beans are a vegetable that can be part of a balanced diet. Research is being conducted on plant compounds in the legume family, but these findings have not yet become general health recommendations.
This is general information; green beans are a food, not a substitute for medical treatment. People taking blood thinners are advised to consult a health professional about their consumption because of the vitamin K content.
How to Choose Green Beans
Fresh green beans are crisp, bright green, and snap easily in two when bent at both ends; beans that bend and flex are no longer fresh.
- When bent in half, they should snap with a crisp sound; beans that bend silently are not fresh.
- The pods should be smooth and glossy; very prominent bulging seeds inside indicate toughness.
- Thin, straight beans are generally less fibrous and crisper.
How to Store Green Beans
Green beans stay fresh for 4–5 days in the refrigerator crisper, unwashed and in a perforated bag. For longer storage, trim them, blanch briefly, and freeze.
How to Use Green Beans in the Kitchen
Green beans are used in olive-oil dishes and meat stews, or boiled and added to salads. Briefly blanching them and immediately transferring them to cold water preserves their bright green color and crispness.
How to Make Green Beans Braised in Olive Oil
Cook trimmed green beans with onion, tomato, and olive oil over low heat for 25–30 minutes, until they release their own liquid and become tender; serve cold.
How to Make Green Beans with Meat
Brown cubed meat with onion, then add trimmed green beans and tomato. Add water and cook for 40–45 minutes, until the meat and beans are tender.
Which Recipes Use Green Beans?
Green beans braised in olive oil, green beans with meat, green bean salad, and green bean stir-fry are among the most popular dishes. Boiled green beans are also added to cold appetizers and side dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are green beans good for?
Green beans are rich in fiber, vitamin K, and vitamin C, and are a vegetable that can be part of a balanced diet. They are a food; they do not claim to cure any disease.
Can you eat green beans raw?
It is not recommended; raw green beans have a firm texture and contain compounds that may make them harder to digest. Even brief boiling noticeably softens their texture and makes them easier to digest.
Why are the strings removed from green beans?
Some varieties have a tough, fibrous “string” along the edge of the pod; because it can be unpleasant to chew, removing it before cooking is recommended.
How long should green beans cook?
Five to seven minutes for boiling and 25–30 minutes for cooking in olive oil are sufficient. If undercooked, they remain tough; if overcooked, they lose color and fall apart.
Can green beans be frozen?
Yes. Trimmed green beans can be frozen after briefly blanching and stored for several months; once thawed, they can be added directly to a dish.