String Beans/Long Beans/Yard-Long Beans

String beans, one of my favorites growing up. Just in case you didn't read my first post, it was one of the five vegetables I was willing to eat as a kid. =) There are three string bean varieties I know of:

• Green String Beans: They are the darkest in green color, and the most slender in shape. Do not cover the beans when cooking this variety of string beans, because they are known for their crunchy texture once cooked.
• Oil String Beans: This string bean variety is named oil string beans because of its most glossy looking shell. They are in the middle of these three string bean varieties, both in size(diameter) and in color. They taste best when cooked till soft.
• White String Beans: This string bean variety is the biggest in diameter, and the lightest in color. They taste best when cooked till soft.
  

My parents have been growing the oil string beans for about 3 years. They are harder to find in the stores in Michigan. The green string beans are more commonly found. Here are some photos of these plants, just in case you wonder what they look like:

The Oil String Bean Plants from My Parents Garden_01

The Oil String Bean Plants from My Parents Garden_02

The Oil String Beans Harvested from My Parents Garden

All three of these string bean varieties are great. When fresh and young, they are tender with a nutty flavor. However, once they become too mature, they can be chewy or even stringy. Which is why it is so important to only purchase them when they are fresh and still tender. 

HOW TO PICK FRESH STRING BEANS

LOOK FOR THESE:

• Even size throughout with many beans in the pod
• Feel firm throughout when gently squeezed
• With a nice shine
• Rich in its color regardless of its variety
  

AVOID THESE:

• With cuts, brown spots, insect bites
• With dull and wrinkle skin
• Tend to be bigger in diameter, and feel spongy when gently squeezed. (These string beans tend to be quite chewy or stringy.)
• Look flat and skinny (These string beans won't be very flavorful because there aren't many beans in the pods.)

HOW TO STORE FRESH STRING BEANS

IN THE FRIDGE: Leave unwashed string beans in an open bag, they can stay fresh for about 3-5 days depends on their freshness. However, they taste the best when consumed within 2 days after purchase, for optimum texture and flavor.