Green Beans for Supper

June 17, 2015
Ashdown, Ark. –

Do you know anyone who does not like green beans? Most kids and adults will agree to have green beans as their vegetable of choice with dinner. Green beans have been my favorite vegetable for many years.  Green beans used to be grown by Native Americans who would plant them with corn and allow the beans to grow up the stalk of the corn. Often you will hear people refer to green beans as string beans because years ago a fibrous string ran along the seam of the pod and was noticeable when the beans were snapped.

Each cup of green beans has about 45 calories. The beans are loaded with vitamin C and fiber that is good for overall health.  Pick green beans in the store that are well colored and make sure the beans are easy to snap. You do not want to pick green beans that are rubbery when you try to snap them. You also want to be careful to pick them early when the inner beans are just beginning to form and before they get too tough to eat. It is easy to find green beans throughout the store year around now whether you look for fresh, frozen or canned green beans.

GREEN BEANS
1 pound green beans or two 9 oz packages frozen cut green beans
½ cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter or margarine

Wash fresh green beans and snap ends off. Snap fresh green beans into 1 inch pieces. Boil green beans, covered, in a pot with enough water to cover the green beans.  Cook green beans for 20-30 minutes.
If using frozen beans, heat green beans according to the package. Drain off excess water. Cook onion and garlic in butter until vegetables are tender. Add beans, toss lightly then cover and heat through. Season with salt to taste. Makes 6-8 servings.

If you would like more information about recipes or cooking, please call the Little River County Extension office at (870) 898-7224 or email cascarborough@uada.edu.  Always feel free to stop by our office at 1411 N Constitution Ave in Ashdown to receive more information. The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas Research and Extension. The Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution.
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By Celeste Scarborough
County Extension Agent - FCS
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture

Media Contact: Celeste Scarborough
County Extension Agent - FCS
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
1411 N Constitution Ave Ashdown AR 71822
(870) 898-7224
cascarborough@uada.edu

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact your County Extension office (or other appropriate office) as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.