Mosaic Chinese Long Beans
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Mosaic Chinese Long beans are multicolored beans named for the unusual color of their bean pods, which have a mottled pattern of lavender, pink, and mint. At full maturity, the bean pods reach 50 centimeters in length. Mosaic Chinese Long beans are crisp, sweet, and tender. They are denser in texture and have a stronger flavor than the common Chinese Long bean.
Seasons/Availability
Mosaic Chinese Long beans are available year-round, with a peak season in summer.
Current Facts
Mosaic Chinese Long beans are botanically known as Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis, and is an heirloom variety of Chinese Long bean that belongs to the Fabaceae family. Mosaic Chinese Long beans are also known as Multicolored Chinese Long beans, Mosaic Yard-long beans, or Mosaic Snake beans.
Nutritional Value
Mosaic Chinese Long beans contain essential nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, protein, fiber, folate, magnesium, thiamin, potassium, and iron.
Applications
Mosaic Chinese Long beans can be used in recipes that call for common Chinese Long beans. They can be stir-fried, sautéed, grilled, or dry-fried. Mosaic Chinese Long beans make for a colorful dish, since they hold their color well even with cooking. Complimentary ingredients include chiles, garlic, ginger, onion, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Sichuan peppercorns, black bean sauce, toasted sesame oil, and butter. Mosaic Chinese Long beans go well with ground pork, beef, and poultry. Store Mosaic Chinese Long beans in the refrigerator, where they will last for up to five days. Use them before the beans become wilted or droopy.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Mosaic Chinese Long beans are also called “hong mian dou” in Mandarin, which translates to “red long beans.” They are used in Traditional Chinese medicine to treat kidney and stomach disorders.
Geography/History
Chinese Long beans are native to Asia and are a conventional culinary ingredient for stir-fries and soups. One of the earliest records of their use comes from the Song Dynasty in China, in the year 1008. Today, Chinese Long beans are found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Mosaic Chinese Long beans grow from vine-like plants and require trellises and beams for support. They are relatively easy to cultivate as long as they are given exposure to full sun, and are ready to harvest after 70 to 90 days.
