It’s no secret there’s a wide world of beans out there. Dried beans, runner beans, black beans, wax beans, French beans–the list goes on!.
There are a lot of different ways to buy beans, even green beans, which you might think are the easiest. There may be a sign at the produce bin that says “fresh string beans,” but a bag in the freezer aisle will say “frozen green beans.” They all look the same–so what gives!.
Well let you in on a secret. There is no difference between string beans and green beans! At least not anymore.
Here’s how green beans got their name “string beans.” Next, find out about the different kinds of green beans, how to cook them, and more!
Walk down the produce aisle and you’ll likely spot both “string beans” and “green beans” for sale. But are these really two distinct types of beans? Or are they actually one and the same? I’ll unwrap the mystery behind these terms and explain the key differences—as well as similarities—between string beans and green beans.
A Look at the Origins
First, a history lesson String beans and green beans originated from the same ancestral bean plants that have been cultivated for centuries In fact, “string bean” was the original term used to describe the pod variety of common beans.
These beans earned the “string” name from the fibrous strand that ran the length of the pod This tough string had to be individually removed before eating, Not exactly convenient!
Over time bean breeders selectively grew varieties that lacked the stringy fiber producing what we know as snap beans or the modern green bean. So in reality, green beans are actually a genetic stringless version of string beans. The terms are still often used interchangeably.
Appearance: Long Pods vs. Plump Pods
While genetically similar, there are some key physical differences between traditional string beans and their stringless green bean cousins.
String beans tend to have a longer, more slender pod. The pods are rounded, with smooth, firm flesh encasing the seeds inside. Popular string bean varieties come in green, yellow, or purple.
Green beans have a plumper, wider pod that is distinctly flattened on the sides. The flesh is slightly more fibrous than string beans. Green beans are almost always green in color, living up to their name.
- String beans = long, rounded pods
- Green beans = wide, flattened pods
Flavor and Texture Variations
Appearances aren’t the only difference between these beans. There are also subtle disparities in taste and mouthfeel.
String beans have a tender, crunchy bite. Their flavor is delicate, grassy, and sweet. Perfect for eating raw or lightly cooked to retain the crisp texture.
Green beans are moderately fibrous and have a more robust, earthy flavor. They soften when cooked, making them ideal for casseroles or long-simmered dishes. The additional fiber gives them a meatier bite.
So while still delicious, green beans lack the delicate crunch of string beans. Knowing these texture and taste differences helps select the right bean for specific recipes.
Nutritional Value
Both varieties provide valuable nutrition. But due to their slightly higher fiber content, green beans edge out string beans in overall nutrients and health benefits.
One cup of raw green beans contains:
- Vitamin C: 15% daily value
- Vitamin K: 18% DV
- Folate: 12% DV
- Manganese: 11% DV
- Fiber: 16% DV
Green beans offer a heartier dose of antioxidants and phytochemicals as well. The additional fiber aids digestion. Both make smart low-calorie additions to a healthy diet though.
Uses in the Kitchen
Their unique textures and flavors mean string beans and green beans aren’t always interchangeable in recipes.
The delicate crunch of string beans makes them ideal for:
- Raw vegetable trays
- Simple steaming or sautéing
- Adding to salads and slaws
- Quick stir frying or pan frying
Heartier green beans work better for:
- Braising and simmering in soups or stews
- Roasting or grilling to soften further
- Serving creamed or in casseroles
- Pickling into tangy side dishes
So consider the characteristics of each when deciding which bean to use. Adjust cooking times as needed too.
Availability and Storage
Thankfully, both beans are easy to find year-round at grocery stores and markets. Look for crisp, firm pods without major blemishes or bruises.
For storage, refrigerate beans in a perforated plastic bag. Wash just before using. Both types retain optimum freshness for 3-4 days.
Longer storage is possible by blanching then freezing beans in airtight containers. Or pickle string beans or green beans to enjoy for weeks.
Growing Your Own
If you’d like to harvest your own, both beans are fairly easy to cultivate in home gardens. Bush or pole bean varieties exist. Choose disease-resistant cultivars when possible.
With proper soil preparation, watering, and sun exposure, you can grow a thriving crop. Just be sure to pick beans while pods are young and tender.
The Takeaway
While some people use the terms interchangeably, there are definite differences between string beans and green beans. From textures to taste and uses, each has unique qualities. Hopefully this clears up the hazy distinctions between these two popular types of beans.
The next time you visit the farmers market or grocery store, keep these comparisons in mind. And enjoy experimenting with string beans versus green beans in your kitchen—there’s no wrong choice!
Green Beans: Bush Beans vs. Pole Beans
There are a lot of different kinds of green beans and string beans, but the plants themselves can be broken down into two main groups:
As one might expect, bush beans are bean plants that grow much like a bush. As they grow, they stay low to the ground and only get about 2 feet tall. They can’t also grow very wide. These kinds of green beans tend to bear fruit earlier and be fully grown faster than pole bean types, but their overall production window is smaller. Most beans that are eaten fresh and whole are of the bush bean variety.
Pole beans, on the other hand, are the sprawlers of the bean world. These types of green beans can grow up to 8 feet tall and are also called vine beans, runner beans, or climbing beans. To reach their full height, pole beans need something outside that their tendrils can climb, like a trellis, fence, or even the stalk of another plant. Pole beans are usually left to grow until they are fully grown because they are best used as shelling beans or dried beans. Some, like asparagus beans (which we’ll talk about in a moment), do grow pods that can be eaten as green beans when picked young.
Difference Between String Beans and Green Beans
This is something you’ll notice every time you go to the grocery store: most things call them “green beans” instead of “string beans.” The name “string beans” is not entirely obsolete, however, the reason behind the name is long gone!.
String beans got their name because most bean pods used to have a fibrous “string” running along their seam. These strings are awful to eat and a pain to get rid of, as anyone who has eaten or cooked with snow peas or sugar snap peas knows. Since the beginning of farming, green beans have been grown without these tough strings. These days, most types of green beans don’t have strings. It’s hard to get rid of a name, though. Green beans no longer have strings, but they still have the name “string beans.”
Differences Between String Beans and Green Beans
FAQ
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