This year, I found a gem while looking for a heat-tolerant plant to plant after the potatoes were picked. Yard long beans, also called asparagus beans, Chinese long beans, and snake beans, are a type of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). They are related to blackeyed peas, which are a popular southern food. When yard long beans are grown, they are eaten as green pods, like green beans, instead of having their shells taken off when the seeds are fully grown.
Asparagus beans, also known as yardlong beans, are a delicious and nutritious vegetable that can be prepared in many ways. With their tender texture and sweet, herbaceous flavor, these slender green beans make a great addition to any meal. Read on to learn everything you need to know about how to choose, prep, and cook asparagus beans perfectly.
Selecting Fresh Asparagus Beans
When shopping for asparagus beans, choose ones that are bright green in color with a firm, smooth texture Avoid any beans that appear limp, are discolored, or have blemishes. The beans should snap crisply when bent, indicating freshness Examine them closely to ensure there are no bug holes or other damage.
If buying in bulk, pick smaller beans, as larger beans may be overly mature and tough. The optimal size is around 1/2 inch in diameter Fresh, young asparagus beans will be the most tender and flavorful
Prepping Asparagus Beans for Cooking
Before cooking asparagus beans, they require some minor prep:
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Rinse the beans under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.
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Trim the stem ends by snapping them off or slicing with a knife.
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If the beans are extra long, cut them into smaller 3-4 inch pieces for easier cooking and eating.
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If a recipe calls for it, leave whole or cut on the diagonal for visually appealing long slices.
And that’s it! The beans are now ready to cook.
Cooking Methods for Asparagus Beans
One of the best qualities of asparagus beans is their versatility. Here are some fantastic cooking methods to try:
Sautéing
Sautéing asparagus beans in olive oil or butter over medium-high heat brings out their natural sweetness. Cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Season with salt, pepper, garlic, or herbs.
Stir-frying
Stir-frying is a quick and easy way to cook asparagus beans while retaining their snap. Use hot oil and stir-fry with soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, and other Asian flavors.
Steaming
To preserve their fresh taste, steam asparagus beans for 4-5 minutes until just tender. Drizzle with olive oil, season with sea salt and pepper, and add a squeeze of lemon.
Roasting
Roasting asparagus beans in the oven caramelizes their sugars for a delicious depth of flavor. Toss in olive oil and roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
Grilling
Grill asparagus beans over direct high heat for fantastic char lines and smoky aroma. Brush with oil and seasoning for 3-5 minutes per side.
Blanching
Blanching in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes tenderizes the beans while maintaining their green vibrancy. Shock in ice water afterward to stop the cooking.
Recipe Ideas and Serving Suggestions
Asparagus beans pair well with all types of ingredients and global flavors. Here are some tasty ways to use them:
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Sauté with shrimp, chicken, or tofu for a protein-packed stir-fry.
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Toss them into fresh salads for added crunch and color.
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Mix with summer vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and corn.
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Add to curries, frittatas, pasta dishes, and risottos.
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Serve as a simple side dish with olive oil, Parmesan, and almonds.
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Pickle asparagus bean slices for use in grain bowls or sandwiches.
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Puree into a velvety soup with chicken or vegetable broth.
With their adaptable nature, asparagus beans truly shine when cooked creatively. Experiment with different seasonings and ingredient combinations to make them a staple in your kitchen.
Storing Asparagus Beans
To retain optimum freshness, store unwashed asparagus beans:
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In a plastic bag in the refrigerator for 5-7 days
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In a freezer bag in the freezer for 6-8 months
Proper storage keeps them crisp and extends their shelf life. Wash just before using.
Key Tips for Cooking Asparagus Beans
Follow these tips for the best tasting asparagus beans every time:
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Look for slender, firm beans without blemishes or bruises.
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Trim well and remove any tough strings along the seam.
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Don’t overcook; they should remain tender-crisp.
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If boiling, use salted water and boil gently to avoid mushiness.
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Toss them in a sauce or dressing while hot to maximize flavor absorption.
With the proper techniques, it’s easy to cook asparagus beans to absolute perfection. Their tender crunch and sweet flavor are a delightful addition to any plate. Give these sensational green beans a try in your kitchen soon.
So if you’re looking for new ways to prepare asparagus beans, give these tasty recipes a try:
Lemony Asparagus Beans – Fresh asparagus beans are quickly blanched then tossed with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and parmesan for a zesty side.
Asparagus Bean Salad – Blend crispy asparagus beans with cherry tomatoes, corn, red onion, basil, feta, and a red wine vinaigrette for a summery salad.
Asian Asparagus Beans – Stir-fry asparagus beans with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger for an easy Asian-inspired dish.
Roasted Asparagus Beans – Toss beans in olive oil and roast at high heat until caramelized and slightly charred for deeper flavor.
Asparagus Bean Fettuccine – Sauté beans with garlic and lemon, then mix with fettuccine, Parmesan, olive oil, and fresh basil for a fast weeknight dinner.
Asparagus Bean Frittata – Add blanched asparagus beans, red peppers, spinach, and cheddar to a veggie-packed frittata for aprotein-rich breakfast.
Curried Asparagus Beans – Simmer beans in an aromatic curried coconut milk sauce with chickpeas and sweet potatoes for a hearty vegetarian main.
Asparagus Bean Soup – Purée asparagus beans with onions, garlic, broth and cream for a velvety, vibrant soup. Garnish with croutons.
With their adaptable flavor and texture, asparagus beans can be transformed into tasty dishes for any meal or occasion. So grab a bundle and get cooking today!
How to Grow Yard Long Beans
Growing yard long beans is very much like growing pole beans. Be aware that they are aggressive growers when conditions are right (hot with a bit of rain). It took me eight feet to reach the top of my tee pees before I picked the first batch of pods. I plan to keep the plants up for another two months! Some suppliers offer “bush” varieties that might work better in smaller areas. Next year I plan on building an arch for them to grow over and shade leafy greens below.
Are They Really a Yard Long?
The more obvious difference is in the proportions of the pods themselves. “Southern” peas are harvested when they are about the thickness of your pinky finger and about ten inches long. Yard long beans, on the other hand, are often picked when they are about a bit thinner than a pencil and fifteen to more than twenty-four inches long. The main thing that these two types of beans have in common is that they can handle heat well, which makes them perfect for growing in Georgia’s hot summers.
The seed pack I purchased at my local home improvement store was a green podded variety. There are others on the market (online), including light green, silver-white, purple and red pods. Some of the colorful pods retain their color when cooked, others change to green or black when cooked. The flavor is not like a green bean; more similar to peas or asparagus.
Easy NOODLE BEANS recipe- long beans, asparagus beans- Stir fried Asian style
FAQ
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