Yardlong bean

Yardlong bean (Vigna unguiculata), also known as the long-podded cowpea, asparagus bean, snake bean, or Chinese long bean, is a plant species in the legume family. It is known for its unusually long edible pods, which are sometimes a yard (36 inches) in length.

Description

The yardlong bean is a vigorous climbing annual plant. The plant is subtropical/tropical and most widely grown in the warmer parts of South Asia, Southeast Asia, and southern China. A variety of the cowpea, it is an agricultural crop grown primarily for its strikingly long (35-75 cm) immature pods and has uses very similar to that of the green bean.

Cultivation

Yardlong beans are quick-growing and daily checking/harvesting is often necessary as the pods can become overgrown and tough almost overnight. They are best for vegetable use if picked before they reach full maturity; however, overlooked pods can be used like dry beans in soups. When harvesting, it is important not to pull the plant off of its support, but to cut the bean off instead.

Culinary uses

Yardlong beans are used in a variety of dishes across the globe, particularly in Asian cuisine. They can be chopped into short sections and cooked in stir fry, curry, or salad. In Thai cuisine, they are eaten raw along with other vegetables and herbs with nam phrik dips.

Nutritional value

Yardlong beans are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and minerals. They are a good source of protein, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin E, and vitamin K. They also contain iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.

See also

• List of vegetables
• List of legume dishes
• List of Thai ingredients