Purple Romano Beans
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Purple Romano beans are broad and flattened in shape, averaging about five inches in length. When raw the exterior of the smooth pod boasts a dark purple hue and offers a meaty, tender texture and crisp bite. Its interior is vibrant green and filled with petite, edible white bean seeds. The colored pods will turn a deep jade-green once cooked, but are also suitable for fresh consumption. Take care not to overcook the beans as doing so not only imparts an undesirable texture but also will cause the beans to secrete a mucilage similar to that of okra. Purple Romano beans offer a fresh flavor and mild green bean taste.
Seasons/Availability
Purple Romano beans are available in the summer and fall months.
Current Facts
Purple Romano beans, also known as an Italian Flat bean or Italian Pole bean are botanically classified as part of Phaseolus vulgaris and a member of the Leguminosae family. Purple Romano beans have many classifications, they are known as a flat type, a snap bean and a pole variety. Like most modern bean types the Purple Romano are stringless and can be eaten as is though the ends are typically trimmed off prior to cooking.
Nutritional Value
Purple Romano beans are rich in dietary fiber which studies have shown help support a healthy digestive system. Additionally like many purple hued vegetables Purple Romano beans contain anthocyanins which have been touted for numerous health benefits, they must though be consumed in their raw form to preserve these nutrients.
Applications
Purple Romano beans can be utilized in both raw and cooked applications though keep in mind once cooked their vibrant purple hue will turn to a deep green hue. They are excellent lightly cooked but also given their meaty texture will stand up to longer cooking preparations. They can be used in preparations wherever traditional green beans are called for. Purple Romano beans can be steamed, boiled, sauteed, braised, grilled and deep fried. Raw beans can be sliced and added to grain and green salads or served along with complimentary dips as crudites. Whole beans can be pickled and served alongside cheeses and charcuterie as an antipasti or added to savory cocktails as an edible garnish. The meaty texture of Purple Romano beans will pair well with tomato, garlic, onion, ginger, oregano, rosemary, red chile, pancetta, soy sauce, vinegar, dijon mustard and hazelnuts. To store, keep beans in a paper bag in the refrigerator and use within three to four days.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In their native Italy flat beans such as the Purple Romano are also known as Taccole and are classically used in a dish called agiolini all’uccelletto which translates to mean "beans cooked in the style of game birds", in this case in a tomato sauce.
Geography/History
The Purple Romano bean is a classic Italian bean. Originally beans such Purple Romano were called string beans because they commonly had strings of fiber along the seam of the pods that needed to be removed prior to consumption. Modern plant breeders have today for convenience purposes through selection bread this trait out of most bean types. Plants grow in a climbing vine fashion and should be trellised or grown along a fence to provide support. Purple Romano beans are also an ideal crop companion for corn as the corn stalks will act as a natural support for the bean vines to grow on. Plants will produce heavy yields for much longer than most bush bean varieties, up till the first frost of the season. Plants prefer a Mediterranean climate and will need a warmer climate than most beans when first sprouting but once established will be heat, drought, cold and pest tolerant.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Purple Romano Beans. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Sharon Palmer |
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Simmered Romano Beans with Tomatoes and Rosemary |
