Green Beans

Green beans have long, slender edible pods and are also called string or snap beans. Wax beans, another type of snap bean, are similar in flavour to green beans and named for their pale yellow colour. Enjoy this versatile vegetable as a side dish or part of a main-dish meal in salads, soups, stews, stir-fries and casseroles. Good source of vitamin C & fibre.

Availability

Available nearly year-round in supermarkets, the peak season for fresh green and wax beans is May through September.

Purchasing

Select brightly coloured, unblemished green and wax beans with smooth pods that are crisp enough to snap when bent in half. Slender pods indicate tenderness.
Slender pods indicate tenderness.

Storage

Refrigerate unwashed beans in a perforated plastic bag for up to 5 days. For maximum crispness, it is best to use the beans within 2 days of purchase.

Preparation/Cooking

Wash the beans, then snap off and discard the stem ends, pulling any strings down along the length of the beans.
Break the beans into desired lengths or leave whole.
Steam, boil, microwave or stir-fry fresh beans until crisp-tender. For best results, use a pot or dish large enough to avoid overcrowding the beans during cooking. Do not overcook or they will lose their vibrant colour and fresh flavour.
Green beans will turn a drab colour when cooked or tossed with acidic ingredients, such as tomatoes, lemon juice and vinaigrettes. If possible, add these ingredients near the end of the cooking time or close to the serving time to retain a bright green colour.

Tips

Serve whole raw or blanched beans with your favourite Kraft Dressing as a dip.
Garnish cooked beans with a sprinkle of toasted chopped walnuts or sliced almonds for extra flavour and crunch.
Make cooked beans irresistible to kids by pouring warm Cheez Whiz Cheese Sauce over them before serving.
Add beans to your favourite stir-fry recipe for great colour and flavour.
Jazz up your favourite potato salad recipe by stirring in cooked green beans.