Mosiac China Long Beans
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Mosaic China long beans are a multicolored bean named for the unusual color of its bean pods, which have a mottled pattern of lavender, pink and mint. The bean pods reach 50 centimeters in length at full maturity. Moasic Chinese long beans are crisp, sweet and tender. They are more dense in texture and have a stronger flavor than the common China long bean.
Seasons/Availability
Mosaic China long beans are available year-round, with a peak season in summer.
Current Facts
Mosaic China long beans are botanically known as Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis, and are an heirloom variety of China long bean that belongs to the Fabaceae family. Mosaic China long beans are also known as Multicolored Chinese long beans, Mosaic Yard-long beans or Mosaic Snake beans, and are a type of cowpea.
Nutritional Value
Mosaic China long beans contain essential nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, protein, fiber, folate, magnesium, thiamin, potassium and iron.
Applications
Mosaic China long beans can be used in recipes that call for China long beans. They can be stir-fried, sautéed, grilled or dry-fried. Mosaic China long beans make for a colorful dish, since they hold their color well even with cooking. Complimentary ingredients include chilies, garlic, ginger, onion, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Sichuan peppercorns, black bean sauce, toasted sesame oil, and butter. Mosaic China long beans go well with ground pork, beef, and poultry. Store Mosaic China long beans in the refrigerator, where they will last for up to 5 days. Use them before the beans become wilted or droopy.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Mosaic China long beans are also called “hong mian dou” in Mandarin, which translates to “red long beans”. China long beans are used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat kidney and stomach disorders.
Geography/History
China long beans are native to southern Asia and are a popular crop in countries like China, Thailand and the Philippines. One of the earliest records of their use comes from the Song Dynasty in China, in the year 1008. Today, China long beans are found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Mosaic China 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.
