Long beans

Long beans, also known as yardlong bean, snake bean, or Chinese long bean, is a subtropical/tropical plant grown for its edible legumes. It is a member of the Fabaceae family, which includes other popular legumes such as peas and lentils.

Description

Long beans are known for their unusually long pods, which can grow up to 1-2 feet in length. The plant is a climbing annual vine, which makes it a common choice for trellis gardening. The beans are usually green, but there are also yellow and purple varieties.

Cultivation

Long beans prefer a warm climate and plenty of sunlight. They are typically planted in the spring and harvested in the summer. The beans are ready to harvest when they are still immature and the inner seed is barely visible through the pod.

Culinary Uses

Long beans are a common ingredient in many Asian cuisines, particularly in Chinese cuisine and Thai cuisine. They can be eaten raw, but are usually cooked. They can be stir-fried, steamed, or boiled and are often used in dishes such as pad Thai and stir fry.

Nutritional Value

Long beans are a good source of protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron. They also contain significant amounts of fiber and folate.

See Also

• List of legumes
• List of vegetables
• Chinese cuisine
• Thai cuisine