Long beans, also known as asparagus beans, yard long beans, snake beans, or Chinese long beans, are always in my hot summer garden. They do well in hot weather and produce a lot, which makes them a great choice for gardeners who want a reliable crop. They are also very healthy and easy to grow. These beans are full of protein, vitamin B, iron, and calcium. Follow these five tips to grow asparagus beans successfully in your garden.
Asparagus beans, also known as yardlong beans or snake beans, are a type of legume that stands out for its distinct long, slender shape and delicious taste. Their flavor has been described as a cross between asparagus and green beans. If you’ve spotted these eye-catching beans at the farmer’s market or grocery store, you may be wondering – what exactly does one do with asparagus beans?
This versatile vegetable can be used in many dishes, but does require some special preparation. Read on for a complete guide to selecting, storing, prepping and cooking asparagus beans.
Before diving into usage and prep, let’s cover some asparagus bean basics:
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Asparagus beans are a variety of cowpea, part of the legume family along with beans and peas.
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They are thought to originate from Africa and Asia,
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The beans can grow over 3 feet long, but are usually harvested at 18-24 inches
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They have a crunchy texture similar to green beans.
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The flavor is mildly sweet with hints of asparagus.
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Common varieties include Chinese Red Noodle, Orient Wonder and Yardlong.
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They are low in calories and high in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin A and iron.
Now that we’ve gotten better acquainted with asparagus beans, let’s explore how to buy, store and prep them.
Selecting Fresh Asparagus Beans
To get the best results when cooking, start with fresh, high-quality asparagus beans:
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Look for smooth, bright green beans without blemishes. Avoid limp or dried out beans.
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The beans should have a nice firmness when gently pressed, not mushy.
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Size can range from petite 3-inch beans to giant 18-24 inch beans. Pick a size appropriate for your recipe.
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For the sweetest flavor, choose young tender beans rather than thick mature ones.
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If buying in bulk, inspect a few beans from the bunch to check freshness.
Storing Asparagus Beans
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Store unwashed asparagus beans in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Don’t wash until ready to use.
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They will keep for 3-4 days when refrigerated. Use as soon as possible for best texture.
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For longer storage, blanch briefly then freeze beans for 2-3 months.
Preparing Asparagus Beans
Asparagus beans require a bit more prep than standard green beans:
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Rinse beans under cool water and pat dry. Trim woody ends.
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Unlike green beans, the strings along the pod are not usually removed. They soften during cooking.
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Cut or snap beans into desired lengths based on the recipe. Common cuts are 3-4 inches.
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Consider prepping a day in advance and refrigerating overnight for extra-crisp beans.
Now comes the fun part – deciding how to cook these unique beans!
How to Cook Asparagus Beans
One of the best aspects of asparagus beans is their versatility. They shine in various cooking methods:
Blanching
Many recipes call for blanching briefly before stir-frying or adding to other recipes. To blanch:
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Bring water to a boil in a pot fitted with a steamer basket.
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Add beans and blanch for 2 minutes if whole, 1 minute if cut.
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Shock in an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain well.
Stir-Frying
The high heat of stir-frying keeps asparagus beans crisp-tender.
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Cut beans into 3-4 inch lengths. Blanch briefly.
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Heat oil in wok or skillet over high heat. Stir-fry beans 5 minutes.
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Season with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil or oyster sauce.
Sautéing
Sautéing also cooks beans quickly to retain crispness:
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Cut beans into 1-2 inch pieces.
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Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat.
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Sauté beans about 5 minutes until lightly browned.
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Season with herbs, lemon, chili flakes, etc.
Roasting
Roasting concentrates flavors and adds delicious caramelization:
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Toss whole or halved beans in oil, salt and pepper.
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Roast at 425°F 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
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Sprinkle with Parmesan, chopped walnuts or pomegranate seeds after roasting.
Grilling
Grilling beans adds great smoky char:
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Toss beans in oil, salt and pepper. Grill in basket 4-5 minutes each side.
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Can also thread onto skewers for easy turning.
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Finish with fresh herbs, citrus zest or tangy vinaigrette.
Steaming
Steaming is perfect to highlight beans’ delicate flavor:
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Cut beans into chunks and steam 7-10 minutes until tender-crisp.
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Season simply with olive oil, salt, pepper and lemon juice.
Braising
Braising breaks down beans into a soft, gravy-like texture.
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Sauté aromatics like onion, garlic, ginger.
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Add beans and broth, simmer 20 minutes until very tender.
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Mash slightly thickened liquid to make a creamy sauce.
Serving Ideas for Asparagus Beans
Beyond simply eating asparagus beans as a side dish, there are so many creative ways to serve them:
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Add to stir-fries with sliced pork, chicken or shrimp.
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Toss into pasta dishes, grain bowls or rice pilafs.
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Mix into hearty salad with greens, fresh herbs and a vinaigrette.
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Layer into lasagna along with cheese and tomato sauce.
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Top pizzas and flatbreads just before serving.
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Make into bean dip by blending cooked beans with tahini, garlic and lemon juice.
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Pickle raw beans in a brine solution for a fun homemade snack.
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Puree cooked beans into a bright green, healthy soup.
With their adaptable flavor and texture, asparagus beans are sure to be a hit however you prepare them. Let your creativity run wild!
Key Takeaways on Cooking Asparagus Beans
To recap, here are some key tips on selecting, prepping and cooking asparagus beans:
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Choose young, firm beans without blemishes for optimal freshness.
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Store unwashed in refrigerator 3-4 days; blanch then freeze for longer storage.
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Prep by rinsing, trimming ends and cutting into desired lengths.
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Blanch briefly before stir-frying or adding to other recipes.
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Sauté, roast, grill or steam for maximum flavor and texture.
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Serve beans simply as a side or get creative and add to grains, pasta, pizza, soups and more.
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Adjust cooking times for tender yet still crisp beans; avoid overcooking.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy asparagus beans? Share your preparation tips and recipe ideas in the comments!
Planting and Caring for Asparagus Beans
Like most beans, Asparagus beans prefer to be directly sown into the garden. They have shallow root systems that don’t transplant well, so avoiding starting them indoors is best. Plant the seeds about 1 inch (2. 5 cm) deep and space them 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) apart. For square-foot gardening, plant 5-9 per square.
Consistent moisture is vital for healthy plants. Water deeply once a week, increasing frequency in hot, dry weather. Be careful not to water the leaves, which can lead to fungal diseases. Overwatering can cause root rot, so finding a balance is essential.
Common Pests and Diseases of Yard Long Beans:
- Pests: Aphids, spider mites, and bean beetles can be problematic. Check your plants often for signs of pests and pick them off by hand to keep them under control.
- Diseases: Keep an eye out for bacterial blight and mosaic virus. You can avoid getting them by making sure there is good air flow and not working in wet leaves.
Support for Vertical Growth
Asparagus beans are vigorous climbers, often reaching heights of 10-12 feet (3-3. 6 m) or more. Plant your beans at the base of a trellis, fence, or cattle panel to support this growth. Be sure to put your supports in place at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later.
Growing yard long beans vertically helps manage their growth and keeps them off the ground, reducing disease risk. Vertical growth also makes harvesting easier and protects the beans from pests like pill bugs (rollie-pollies).
Asparagus beans taste best when they are about 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) long, even though they are sometimes called “yard long” beans. Pick them while they are still slender and before the seeds inside fully develop. The flavor will deteriorate if the pods become soft or spongy, as the beans are over-mature.
To harvest, twist the beans off the vine rather than pulling them to avoid damaging the plant. These beans often grow in pairs at the terminal bud, and removing them gently will encourage further production.
Tip: Harvest yard long beans regularly to promote more beans. Leave beans on the vine for too long, and the plant will slow down production while it works on getting its seeds ready.
Growing Yard Long Beans or Asparagus Beans – Something Different for Your Garden!
FAQ
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