Green beans are usually about 10 - 15 cm in length and 1 cm in diameter and the pods are rounded. It is not necessary to remove any strings as these pods are quite tender. The complete pod is eaten although you may wish to trim the ends.

What to look for

Beans are best when they are young. Look for fresh and tender pods which make a good snapping sound when broken. Broad beans should be slightly plump with a gloss still on the skin, of a good green colour and not too big.

How to keep

Store at 7 – 10ºC with a relative humidity of 90 - 98%. Broad beans should be stored at 0 – 2ºC. Beans are ethylene sensitive which means they should be stored separately from ethylene producing products.

CONSUMER STORAGE: Refrigerate in plastic bags. Use promptly.

Nutritional value

The major nutrients in beans are folate, vitamins A (through â-carotene) and C, with thiamine, niacin, calcium, zinc and iron present at low levels. They are a good source of fibre and are low in calories. The main phytochemicals are the carotenoids (á-carotene, â-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin) with reasonably high levels of flavonoids.

How to prepare

Top and tail (cut the ends off), then slice or leave whole. Broad beans need podding, except when they are very young.

When you can get it

Beans are available from November until May, however they are more plentiful in the summer months. Broad beans are available early in the season.



Vegetable information kindly provided by www.vegetables.co.nz