String beans, also called green beans and snap beans, are a pod bean. There are two basic types of beans: shell and pod. Pod beans are eaten within the pod; shell beans are removed from the pod and eaten alone.
Significance
According to the USDA's National Nutrient Database, a 1/2 cup serving of raw string beans provides 31 calories. Nutrients found in that serving size include 31 g fiber, 37 mg calcium, 211 mg potassium, 33 mcg folate and 379 mcg beta-carotene.
Features
Choose a market that lets you select loose, fresh string beans. Avoid those that are stiff or larger than a pencil in diameter or that have seeds visible through the pod. The peak season for string beans is May through October.
Fun Facts
String beans have been grown in Mexico for more than 7,000 years. String beans were so named because of the fibrous string that used to run along one side of the pod. According to Food Reference, Wisconsin led all states in raw string bean production in 2008, with 293,200 tons grown.
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