They say that you should always eat your greens and there is a reason for this. Vegetables, fruits, beans, and legumes are all great ways to maintain a healthy balance in your diet but the problem is that there are just so many to choose from.
If you are looking for new and interesting ways to spice up your diet and want to include healthy foods, then green beans might be right for you. But before you rush off down to the grocery store, you’ll probably want to be sure you are going to enjoy your food; so what do green beans taste like?
The truth is that green beans might not taste very good at all if they are not cooked correctly and this can put a lot of people off. However, if you are willing to make the effort with them, they can be a delicious addition to your diet.
Table of Contents
What Plant Are Your Eating When You Consume Green Beans?
Green beans originated in South America; Peru, to be precise. However, they are now commonly grown all over the world and remain one of the most popular types of podded bean in the world. The beans were brought across to Europe in the 16th century by the Spanish and the great thing is that, provided they have the right soil conditions, they are relatively easy to grow.
Green beans grow on a bush or can be grown on a pole, which is the more common method for farmers and domestic growers.
What Do Green Beans Taste Like?
When eating green beans raw, you may notice that they have a remarkable similar taste to that of grass. But this is a common problem that comes with undercooking. While many people are keen to make sure that their vegetables are not overcooked and soggy, they can sometimes go too far in the opposite direction.
When green beans are cooked to perfection, they will have a fresh and sweet taste. This is true of green beans that are of the best quality but you may also notice an earthy flavor.
What Flavors Pair Well With Green Beans?
While there may be a knack to getting your green beans cooked just right, the rewards of learning how to do this are great. One of the most notable benefits to eating green beans is that they are such a versatile food. If you are keen to include them in your diet but aren’t keen on the taste, there are plenty of ways you can make them taste better.
For example, a lot of people will flavor their green beans with lemon juice or simply salt and pepper. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, tarragon pairs beautifully with these green, crisp veggies and for those with a taste for something spicy, ginger and chilli do very well with green beans.
While you might not want to eat a plate of just green beans, these vegetables pair very well with things like potatoes, onions, carrots, tomatoes, and squash so you aren’t limited on choice when it comes to serving them. They will make a nice accompaniment to things like stead and chicken.
What Do Bad Green Beans Taste Like?
Before you pop a green bean into some boiling water to cook it, there are plenty of visual cues that will tell you whether it is any good. If you try eating them at this point, you will probably notice that they have lost much of their flavor.
When green beans begin to go bad, one of the first things you will notice is that they become much less crisp and a little limp-looking. Moreover, you may notice that the beans develop black spots. But the good news is that, when kept in the fridge, green beans should last for around a week or more.
How Should I Select Fresh Green Beans?
Perhaps the most obvious thing you should look for when choosing beans at a market is that the bean lives up to its name and has a vibrant green color. This will tell you that the produce is fresh and at its best. However, there are other things you can look for that will indicate the freshness and quality of the beans.
The skin of the bean should be tight and have a smooth surface. Once beans begin to go bad, this texture will change and become wrinkled and loose. What’s more, if the beans snap nicely in half then this is indicative of freshness. We would also recommend avoiding beans that are excessively large as once they reach a certain size, they can become stringy and more fibrous.
Can You Freeze Green Beans?
The great news is that if you buy a few too many green beans, it is possible to freeze them. That being said, you should avoid popping them in a freezer bag and throwing them directly into the freezer as they may stick together.
The best way to freeze green beans is to place them on a tray with at least a centimeter between each bean. Place this in the freezer and allow the beans to freeze. Once they are fully frozen, you can now put them into a freezer bag and they won’t stick. Kept in a sealed container, the beans should last up to six months.
Are Green Beans Good For You?
Green beans are considered to be a healthy food. They contain high levels of vitamins and minerals that will be beneficial to the body in many ways. For example, they are high in fiber and contain no cholesterol which means that they may be beneficial for heart health. Furthermore, green beans are very low calorie vegetables and so may help to maintain a healthy weight.
That being said, it is possible to overindulge on green beans and this can be problematic to the digestive system. Since these beans contain high levels of phytic acid, which may bond with other compounds in the body, they can be more difficult to digest and will lessen your body’s ability to absorb certain minerals.
Summary
Green beans are a versatile and healthy way to get more vegetables into your diet. While they have a very earthy and grassy taste when uncooked, finding that sweet spot during cooking will deliver a much more pleasant and delicious taste.
