White China Long Beans
Inventory, bunch : 0
Description/Taste
White China long beans are pale green in color, sometimes having a silvery-white sheen, depending on the variety. Each bean has a spindly, narrow, cylindrical shape, and grows on the vine, reaching around 80 centimeters in length. White China long beans are best picked when they are young and tender, at around 40 centimeters in length. Each bean contains numerous white or cream-colored edible seeds. White China long beans are softer in texture than the common, darker green China long bean. White China long beans have a similar grassy taste, and are sweet and crunchy.
Seasons/Availability
White China long beans are available year-round.
Current Facts
White China long beans are botanically classified as Vigna unguiculata subsp. Sesquipedalis. They are a member of the Fabaceae family, and are related to the cowpea. China long beans, which may have black, red or white seeds, are also known as Yardlong beans and Asparagus beans. White China long beans are a relatively rare, new variety of China long bean. They are considered to be fast-growing plants, and can produce a large number of pods within 60 days of planting. Varieties available in the United States include those called White Galaxy long beans and White Seeded long beans.
Nutritional Value
China long beans contain vitamins A and C, as well as iron, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, manganese and protein.
Applications
White China long beans are relatively soft in texture, and can be eaten both raw and cooked. Use young, tender beans with skin that is not rough to the touch. They can be cut into bite-sized pieces and used in any recipe that calls for China long beans. They are best when dry-fried, stir-fried, grilled and sauteed. They pair well with flavorings like chillies, garlic, onions, ginger, black pepper, soy sauce and oils, and are good in dishes containing eggs, seafood, poultry and red meat. Store White China long beans in a storage container in the refrigerator, where they will last for around 4 to 5 days.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
China long beans are often eaten in Asia during Chinese New Year. They are considered to be an auspicious vegetable that symbolizes longevity.
Geography/History
White China long beans are one of the many varieties of China long beans, which are native to southern Asia. The exact origin of White China long beans is unknown. China long beans are reportedly one of southeast Asia’s top 10 vegetables, and are widely grown in China and Taiwan. They are also commonly used in India, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Caribbean and Africa. Long beans thrive in tropical and subtropical climates. They are grown on trellises, require full sun, and are drought-tolerant.
