Fresh Recipes for Green Beans

Flavor and versatility make green beans a healthy favorite.

If you're growing green beans this year, no need to worry about the plants reaching up into the clouds as they did in Jack and the Beanstalk. Those magic beans were most likely a variety called castor beans, which can grow up to 10 feet high. But do pay attention to whether your green bean seeds are of the "pole" or "bush" variety. Pole beans climb, so they need to be supported by a fence or trellis to prevent them from falling over. Bush beans, on the other hand, grow into stubby plants that can support themselves.

But the real magic in green beans is their bounty of nutrients: vitamins A, C and K, manganese, potassium, folate and iron, as well as fiber, make green beans a healthy addition to any meal. Flavor steamed green beans with a garlicky-yogurt dressing or lemon-dill vinaigrette. A quick braise of summer vegetables makes an excellent side dish for any grilled meat. Or toss warm green beans with blue cheese and walnuts for a steakhouse-worthy accompaniment. Whether you grow your own or buy them at the farmers’ market, enjoy green beans' incomparable flavor this summer.

Bean Basics
* "Green" beans aren’t just green. Look for purple or yellow varieties too.
* You only need to trim the stem-end of green beans—the opposite tip is edible.
* One pound of green beans makes about 4 servings.
* Try green beans on a platter of vegetables and dip. To keep them bright green and crunchy, boil for 2 to 3 minutes, then cool in ice water.

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