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Long Beans

Long beans, also known as Chinese long beans or yardlong beans, are a tropical vine legume native to Southeast Asia. They belong to the Vigna unguiculata species and are close cousins to black-eyed peas and cowpeas. These slim, elongated beans can grow up to 30 inches in length and come in a spectrum of colors like green, purple, and red, making them a striking addition to any dish. Popularly used as an ingredient in various Asian cuisines, long beans have a delightful crunch and a slightly sweet taste. They can be consumed raw or cooked in stir-fries, salads, and various curries. Their unique texture and ability to retain their crispness make long beans a versatile vegetable for a wide range of recipes.
#144
IN FRESH VEGETABLES
345
CAL / 100G
$0.20
AVG / OZ
long beans
71%
CARBS
1%
FAT
27%
PROTEIN
Long Beans FAQ
Long beans, known also as yardlong beans, Chinese long beans, and a variety of other names, are a unique legume that have a little more versatility than your typical green bean. They offer a familiar but distinctive taste and texture - a delightful crunch and a slightly sweet flavor that tends to hold up well in a variety of cooking methods. Long beans can be tricky for first-time cooks. People often go wrong by overcooking them, which makes them lose their delightful crunch. They are best when they still have a bit of snap to them. They should be crisp, not limp or mushy. One of the best ways to get the most flavor out of long beans is to stir fry them with aromatics like garlic and chili. You could also blanch them first, then shock them in cold water to help them maintain their color and crunch. An underused method of cooking long beans is grilling them - a little bit of char can add a delightful flavor profile. A crucial tip for cooking long beans is to cut them into manageable sizes. Also, if you're stirring frying them, ensure your wok or pan is hot but not smoking. This way, the beans can cook quickly and remain crunchy, infused with the flavor of the other ingredients.
Can I eat long beans raw?
What's the best way to cook long beans?
How long should I cook the long beans for them to remain crunchy?
Do I need to remove the ends of the long beans before cooking?
Should long beans be cooked whole or cut into pieces?
What flavors pair well with long beans?
Can I grill long beans?
Are long beans healthier than regular beans?
Can I use long beans as a substitute for green beans?
Can long beans be frozen?
Expiration & Storage Tips
When does long beans expire?
Unopened and fresh long beans can last up to a week in the fridge if properly stored, although their best flavor will be within the first 2-3 days. Once opened, long beans should also be used within a week but this depends more on when the beans were picked than when you opened the package. If you bought them fresh from a farmer's market they could last a bit longer. When it comes to freezing, long beans can be stored for up to a year in a standard freezer. Just make sure to blanch them first to retain their vibrant color and crunch. Blanching is a quick steam or boil followed by a stop in an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
How do you tell if long beans is bad?
Just like any other vegetable, long beans can spoil. Here are a few signs to look for: they will dry out, get slimy, start to lose their vibrant green color, or develop dark spots. Bad beans may also have a strange, off smell. Never taste long beans if you notice any of these signs to avoid consuming bad food.
Tips for storing long beans to extend shelf life
• Always store long beans in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. • Keep them tightly sealed in plastic bags or containers to retain their freshness. • Do not wash them until you are ready to use as moisture can cause them to spoil quicker. • For long-term storage, consider blanching and freezing long beans. They should be stored in airtight containers or sealable plastic bags. • To defrost, you can leave them in the refrigerator overnight or steam them right out of the freezer depending on the dish you're preparing. • Always check for signs of spoiling before consuming.
EXPIRES WITHIN
8 - 21
DAYS
Health Info
Macros
61g
CARBS
1g
FAT
23g
PROTEIN
Allowed on these diets
LOW FAT
VEGETARIAN
KETO
PALEO
WHOLE 30
MEDITERRANEAN
LOW CARB
VEGAN
LACTOSE FREE
GLUTEN FREE
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