Chinese Long Bean
Chinese long bean is similar to green beans, except the length, typically is 20-inches long. The color can range from pale green to deep green, as far as the taste, most Chinese long bean has a similar flavor to green beans, which is Western in origin, however, Chinese long bean is somewhat softer in texture than the green beans. In Chinese cooking, it works well with other vegetables and meat in stir-fries, meanwhile, you can cook your favorite Chinese long bean soup by combining with tomato, carrot, bok choy, and other vegetables as you like.
Other names:
Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis, the yardlong bean, the long-podded cowpea, asparagus bean, snake bean.
Provide:
Chinese long bean is available year-round in many supermarkets.
Purchasing tips:
When selecting Chinese long beans, select the young ones with green color, avoid brown or yellowed long beans, which indicates aging, avoid pods with wilted or brown spots.
Storage:
First store unwashed cut long bean in plastic bags, then refrigerate it in the vegetable crisper for 3 - 4 days or so.
Preparation and Usage:
At first rinse it thoroughly under cold running water to discard any dirt or sand, then cut it into short sections, usually 1-inch in length, remove any wilted ones. Then blanch the Chinese long bean sections in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes till it’s color turns into jade green, after that remove to cold water immediately to stop the cooking, drain well and pat dry, as it is ready to cook. For a satisfying side dish, stir fry long bean with meat or other vegetables.
Nutritional and Healthy Benefits:
Chinese long beans are rich in vitamin A, protein, thiamin, iron, riboflavin, potassium and phosphorus, it is also a good source for vitamin C, magnesium, and manganese.
Hot Recipes
Key in value & click anywhere outside the box to convert!