Fast delivery
Get in as fast as 1 hour
It’s all local
Shop your favorites
Direct chat
Connect with shoppers
Yardlong Beans Delivery or Pickup
The Instacart guide to yardlong beans
About yardlong beans
Yardlong beans, also known as asparagus beans, are a legume cultivated for their moderately sized green pods containing immature seeds. They are similar to a green bean, but much longer and from an entirely different family. However, despite the fact that they are called "yardlong," they aren't actually one yard long. In fact, they are much closer to about half a yard long, or 1.5 feet. The pods grow on a climbing vine in tropical areas such as the warmer parts of South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Southern China. The beans can grow up to 12 feet tall when supported with a trellis or a fence.
You may know of the beans from their many other names; asparagus beans, long-podded cowpea, Chinese long bean, snake bean, and pea bean are all common names. The beans have a mild flavor, similar to the asparagus we know and love, and can be used in similar ways to the green bean.
How to pick out yardlong beans
The best yardlong beans will be those that are the perfect emerald green, a crunch when broken, and when they are about 1/4 inch thick (the thickness of a pencil). Yardlong beans freeze well and can be eaten all winter long. First, wash the beans. and let them dry. Then, cut off the stem ends, cut them in half, and blanch them in boiling water for approximately one minute. Drain them of excess water and freeze in a plastic zipper bag. You can use a vacuum sealer to suck out extra air and prevent them from freezer burn.
Interesting facts about yardlong beans
Yardlong beans are a climbing plant, but they can also bud and blossom. Their blossoms are pink-lavender in color, and their flowers tend to grow larger than most other types of bean flowers. Yardlong beans are popular for home gardens, specifically in climates where the summers get incredibly warm. The pods grow rapidly, with a small green pod string starting one day, and a full 18-inch long pod sprouting just a few days later. As they are best picked at the 18-inch mark but can grow well beyond that size, they must be monitored closely, and the pods must be checked daily. It is possible for over mature pods to be used as dry beans. In this case, the beans are left to get brown and try on the plant. They are picked before they split open and spread out to dry. They are then treated like dry beans and can be used as such.
Yardlong Beans Near Me
Buy your favorite Yardlong Beans online with Instacart. Order Yardlong Beans from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.
FAQs about yardlong beans
Yardlong beans are similar in nature to green beans, despite not being from the same bean family. They also have a flavor that is similar to that of asparagus, which can help you decide on the flavor profile for your meal. While it is similar to a green bean, they do not like to be boiled or steamed, as they get waterlogged and bland when placed in water. Instead, they are best cooked in oil, sauteed, stir-fried, or deep-fried, as their flavor intensifies and they remain crisp and juicy. They are common in Asian cuisine and are utilized in dishes that originate in China, India, the Philippines, and Malaysia. They can also be eaten raw, and their flavor is at its best when young and fresh.
Yardlong beans have significant nutrients which have many health benefits. They are a good source of protein, Vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, iron, potassium, and a very good source of Vitamin C, magnesium, and manganese. In 100 grams of yardlong beans, you will find 47 calories, 0 total fat, 4mg of sodium, 3g of protein, and 8g of total carbs. All of these vitamins and nutrients help regulate your body, improve your immune system, or aid in heart health. These beans can also be a great way to add nutrient-dense vegetables to your meal without a high calorie count.
Yardlong beans are most often grown in parts of Asia, but that does not mean they can't be grown elsewhere. They prefer warmer climates, often tropical, but they can be grown in areas that get large amounts of sun and heat. Whereas other beans may succumb to the hot, humid summers of areas of the United States, yardlong beans may flourish. They are not commonly grown in North America, but would likely do well in the Southeastern United States and the southern areas of the Midwest.
If you are looking to explore a new vegetable that is sure to be a hit, yardlong beans definitely fit the bill. You can have your Instacart shopper find the best yardlong beans on their next trip. This way, you can enjoy the best products, and you save time, money, and energy with same-day delivery in as little as 2 hours!