Do you eat green beans? You really should, they are one of our most nutritious foods. Far too many nutritionists fail to mention that green beans are a great source of iron, which is a mineral that many of us could use more of.
Many nutritionist are so taken up with the idea of iron in meat that they fail to pass on the information that vegetables can also supply iron and other minerals. 1/2 cup of cooked green beans supplies us with a milligram of iron for only 20 calories. Green beans are also credited with having a low fat and sodium content and are a good source of potassium.
When shopping look for green beans that are a rich green color without any brown blemishes. Small ones tend to be more flavorful and those that bend easily are not as fresh. Green beans will keep up to three weeks in perforated plastic bags in the refrigerator.
One pound of fresh green beans delivers four cups of trimmed and sliced, or whole green beans. A pound of green beans takes about six minutes to cook in simmering water. They can also be steamed, stir fried, sauteed, or microwaved. if you microwave, chop them before cooking.
The taste of green beans goes well with almonds, sweet peppers, corn or mushrooms.
Raw green beans can be added to tuna or pasta salad, and added to soups or stews.
Flavor green beans with peanuts, garlic, thyme, dill, or tarragon. Green beans also go well with poultry, cheeses and fish.