Beans, But Make ‘em Snappy
Florida has an abundance of snap beans! These tasty treats belong to the legume family. Snap beans have many different “identities” as they are also commonly called green beans, string beans, or bush beans. These beans got their various names for a reason! They got their different names because they make a snapping noise whenever you crack it open, are green of course, are long and thin, and grow on a bush.
Snap beans can be grown all over Florida as they are easy to grow, even in poor quality soil. This being said, they are predominately grown in Alachua, Bradford, Dade, Hendry, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, and Suwannee counties. The peak season for Florida snap beans is from November to May. The most common varieties of snap beans grown in Florida are Bush Blue Lake, Roma II, Cherokee Wax, Contender, and Provider. Not all snap beans look the same! They can be green or yellow, and round or flat.
Snap beans provide a great source of potassium, folate, fiber, and vitamin C. These crunchy snacks keep your heart healthy and improve cholesterol levels too!
When shopping for snap beans, look for beans that are perky and free of bruises, wrinkles, or shriveled spots. To keep your veggies fresh, it is best to keep them in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator. As always, make sure to run your beans under cold water to clean them. The entire bean is edible, but it is best to trim off the top where it was attached to the plant before eating them.
Snap beans can be cooked in many different ways or eaten fresh! They are great sautéed, steamed, boiled, baked, and even grilled! These yummy beans pair well with so many other ingredients including onions, tomatoes, corn, olives, bacon, dill, oregano, basil, marjoram, and rosemary.
For your enjoyment, try out a snap bean recipe courtesy of Fresh From Florida!
Did You Know?
· The French name for snap beans is haricot vert.
· Florida is ranked first nationally for the production, acreage, and total value of fresh market snap beans!
· Snap beans originated in Peru and were spread throughout America, including Florida, by Native Americans.
Content courtesy of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumers Services and UF/IFAS.
Information compiled by: Avianna Liuzzo