Calories in Fresh String Beans

The name string beans developed because green beans used to have a strong fibrous string along the stem, according to the University of Illinois Extension. Selective breeding has made the string less pronounced, so now green beans are often called snap beans instead. Fresh string beans are a nutrient-dense vegetable, offering significant nutrition with few calories.

Calories

One ½-cup serving of cooked fresh string beans contains 22 calories, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Nutrition

Cooked fresh string beans have 2 g of dietary fiber and just .17 g of fat per serving. Green beans also have 438 IU of vitamin A, 6 mg of vitamin C, and 91 mg of potassium.

Preparation

For optimal nutrition and flavor, cook string beans by steaming them until they are tender crisp. Steaming helps to retain valuable nutrients such as vitamin C. Once cooked, you can season your string beans with a dab of a heart-healthy oil such as olive oil and a sprinkling of tarragon or thyme.

References

• U.S. Department of Agriculture: Nutrient Data Laboratory
• University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service: Vegetable Preparation for the Family
• University of Illinois Extension: Beans