Green Beans-
Green beans are a vibrant green color, they are also referred to as string beans. Green beans are eaten whole, pod and all. They are tender when they are harvested young.
Snap off the ends of the pods and in some cases remove the string. Green beans can be eaten raw, boiled, steamed, or roasted. Be creative!
Green beans should be stored in a produce bag in the refrigerator, they are good for up to a week.
Vitamin A, C, K, folate, fiber
Wax Beans-
Wax beans are a pale yellow color with a stringless, edible pod. Wax beans are tender when eaten young.
Snap off the ends of the pods and in some cases remove the string. Wax beans can be eaten raw, boiled, steamed, or roasted. They pair nicely in color when mixed as a dish with green beans. (see photo above)
Wax beans should be stored in a produce bag in the refrigerator, they are good for up to a week.
Calcium, protein, fiber, iron, vitamin B6 and C
Give wax beans a quick run through some boiling water, then toss them with some Amish roll butter and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a quick and easy side dish.
Shell Beans-
Shell beans have an inedible shell which needs to be removed, they are eaten for the seeds inside only. Embrace the shelling process, it is tedious but if you make it “zen like”, it can be quite relaxing and the rewards are wonderful!
Split the shell down the center and remove the beans from their pods. Shell beans should be placed in a pot with seasonings such as garlic and bay leaves, covered in water and boiled for an average of 45 minutes, until tender. They can also be steamed or baked. If you choose to go another route, you can dry the beans for later usage.
Shell beans include English Beans, lima beans, red kidney beans, cannellini beans etc. We have been fortunate enough to receive the beautiful cranberry beans in the past shares!
Very high in protein, folate, fiber, iron, the list goes on and on, they are a super food, eat them!
This one was shared by fellow Springdellian Dawn DeMeo a great one to use up the last of the seasonal corn, peppers, jalapeños and onion. The source is Cooks Illustrated, a fabulous local test kitchen. It’s a wonderful recipe as it’s very flexible in its ingredients, and easy to make your own. Check them out and try this one today!
These crisp beans are a great compliment to most dishes. They can bring a sharp taste of summer year round!
What better way to enjoy CSA ingredients than in a burrito bowl like this one? Tender SpringDell’monico steak tops off this flexible dish, while cilantro brings the fresh Mexican inspired flavors to the mesa.
