An A to Z guide to choosing, storing, preparing, and cooking fresh produce and recipe ingredients.
Anna WilliamsGreen Beans
Green beans are wonderful cooked simply and served as side dishes or added to salads. Though they are often called string
beans, their fibrous strings have, for the most part, been bred out of them.
Season: Year-round; peak May to October.
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How to Choose Green Beans
Look for beans that are slender and bright in color. They should make a sharp snap when broken (thus the name “snap beans”). If the seeds can be seen clearly through the pod, the beans are overly mature and will be tough. -
How to Store Green Beans
Refrigerate unwashed beans in a covered container in the vegetable drawer for up to 5 days.
How to Prepare Green Beans
To steam green beans, place a steamer basket in a large saucepan with 1 inch of water, bring it to a boil, place the beans in the basket, cover, and steam until just tender, 3 to 4 minutes. To blanch them, fill a mixing bowl halfway with ice and add water to cover; cook the beans in boiling salted water until just tender, 3 to 4 minutes; using a slotted spoon, transfer the beans to the ice bath until cool, about 1 minute; then drain. -
How To: Cook Green Beans
Here are a few easy ways to prepare fresh green beans.
Find out what's in season in your area right now, then locate a farmers' market near you.
