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Green Beans Delivery or Pickup
The Instacart guide to green beans
About green beans
Green beans are a herbaceous plant in the legume family. They originated in Peru but are a common vegetable served all around the world today. There are over 130 varieties of green beans, and each one differs in taste, color, and size. The pods can have different shades of green and even have a streaked look, and the shapes range from long and thin to broad and flat. Green beans are also called string beans or snap beans, depending on the region, and they are the most commonly consumed edible pod bean in the United States.
Green beans, like many other green vegetables, have many health benefits. A cup of fresh green beans contains:
- 31 calories
- 0.2 grams of fat
- 2.7 grams of fiber
- 1.8 grams of protein
- 3.3 grams of sugar
In addition to these nutrients, green beans are also high in beneficial vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. The vitamin B found in green beans can help support brain function. The beans are also a good source of vitamin C, which has many benefits, including boosting collagen production, improving immune function, and protecting the cells in your body from free radicals.
How to pick out green beans
When buying green beans, look for a bright green color and check for firmness. The beans should bend and snap easily, and the surface should be smooth and free from wrinkles. If it has a wrinkly surface, it means it's an old or dried-out bean. Also, avoid green beans that have blemishes or visible seeds. If you see green beans with large bumps, avoid them. This means it's overripe.
Another helpful tip is to choose beans that are similar in size and shape. This will help during the cooking process. If your green beans are uniform, they will cook at the same rate, so you don't get some overcooked beans and others that aren't quite cooked.
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Cooking with green beans
Avoid washing your green beans until you are ready to cook them. Before using them, wash under running water, and remove both ends of the beans by snapping them off or cutting them with a knife. You'll also want to pull the end down to remove any string. Most green beans no longer have the string, but you can check to make sure.
You can cook green beans in a few different ways, depending on your preference for flavor.
- Boiling: boil a medium pot of water. Throw the beans in the boiling water after washing and cook for about four minutes. This is just long enough to give them a bright green color and keep them crisp and crunchy. If you prefer a softer green bean, boil a few minutes longer.
- Steaming: Place a steamer basket in a saucepan and bring an inch of water to a boil. Add the beans to the basket and steam for four minutes.
- Roasting: Toss green beans with olive oil, garlic, and some red pepper flakes. Spread in a single layer on an oven sheet and roast in a 425-degree oven for about 15 minutes or until crisp-tender with some golden, caramelized spots.
Green Beans Near Me
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FAQs about green beans
Fresh green beans should be kept in an airtight container and last in the fridge for about four to seven days. Make sure to store them unwashed and keep them in the crisper drawer. If you want your green beans to last longer, you can take the time to can or pickle them.
Freezing fresh green beans is a good way to store them. There are two different ways you can prepare green beans for freezing. You can just rinse the beans in cool water, drain, and dry completely. The best way to do this is to place them on a paper or cloth towel and then let them sit for about 20 minutes. Cut the ends off, and then cut the beans into the length that you want. Put them in freezer bags, label them with the date, and put them in the freezer. They will last for up to a year.
Many people blanch the green beans before freezing. This means you cook the green beans in rapidly boiling water for about three minutes. Remove the beans with a slotted spoon and put them in ice water to stop the cooking. Drain, dry, and freeze. The benefit of blanching before freezing is it helps them to retain their original texture and color when you thaw and cook them.
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