What Do Green Beans Taste Like? Are They Good for You?

Green beans are a staple in most kitchens.

Chances are, if you’re not a fan of veggies, you have still tried this popular legume.

But have you ever stopped to think about what green beans taste like?

Some people love them, and some people don’t.

However, they are a healthy addition to your diet and offer a myriad of benefits.

The taste of green beans is slightly sweet, slightly bitter, and mildly earthy. They have a crisp texture that is similar to biting into a carrot. When cooked, they absorb flavors well, and their taste profile becomes more pronounced.

Read on to know the different ways on how you can enjoy the taste of green beans.

What Are Green Beans?

Green beans, also known as French beans or snap beans, are a legume grown worldwide.

They are a rich source of vitamins, fiber, and other nutrients.

Different countries have their varieties of green beans, but the most popular ones are the French haricots verts and the American Blue Lakes.

You can enjoy green beans in various forms like raw, boiled, steamed, baked, or fried.

People also pickle green beans and use them in salads.

Green beans belong to the same family as the soybean, peanuts, and kidney beans.

But compared to other legumes, green beans are the most accessible and preferred.

The green bean pod is edible and has a signature vibrant green color.

But keep an eye out for discolored or yellowish spots that indicate old produce.

Green beans pair well with other ingredients and go great with meat and fish.

Even vegans and vegetarians prefer them due to their versatile nature.

What Do Green Beans Taste Like?

Green beans have a mildly sweet and earthy taste that is mildly bitter. They also have a crisp texture that is similar to biting into a carrot. This texture is partly why people love them. The flavor of green beans becomes more pronounced when cooked.

Hence, they’re never bland.

If you’re not interested in eating them raw, cooking them opens up several ways to season them.

For instance, try cooking them with garlic and shallots, butter, or lemon juice.

Green beans are also usually compatible with other foods.

Bacon-wrapped green beans also have a smoky, rich flavor that is perfect for non-vegetarians.

When compared to some other veggies, green beans are low in calories but high in nutrition.

Green beans are full of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin A, potassium, fiber, and other essential minerals.

Their nutritional benefits explain why health enthusiasts recommend these beans in their diet.

How To Cook Green Beans

Green beans are a breeze to cook.

The simplest way is to trim the ends, toss them in a pot with boiling water and cook them for a few minutes until they’re tender.

Afterward, drain and toss with salt and pepper.

If you’re looking to add more flavors or dress it up, here are some other ways to cook green beans:

• Sauteed: Sautéed green beans with garlic, butter, olive oil, and lemon juice is a popular way to cook them. It takes about 15 minutes and is perfect as a side or a main dish.
• Oven-roasted: Roasting green beans at high temperatures will bring out more of their sweetness and texture. Drizzle with olive oil and a bit of seasoning before cooking them for about 10 minutes in the oven.
• Steaming: Steaming them with salt will retain the nutrients, and you will end up with crispy yet juicy beans.
• Stir-fry: A quick stir-fry with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic is a hit among Asian cuisines.
• Grilled: Grilled green beans may be a bit tricky, but they give off a unique smoky and charred flavor. They taste great on their own or with seasoned meat.
• Pickled: Few people love pickled green beans. This no-cook method adds acidity and is famous as a snack on their own or in Bloody Marys.

Health Benefits of Green Beans

Green beans are an excellent source of vitamins, fiber, and other essential minerals like potassium.

They are an excellent substitute for carbs but still provide us with that energy we need to function.

Whether raw or cooked, green beans are low in calories.

Hence they are a staple in most healthy diets.

Additionally, green beans’ high fiber content aids in digestion and works wonders for gut health.

Green beans also have anti-inflammatory properties that work towards reducing chronic inflammation.

People with diabetes may often worry about having to compromise when it comes to food.

However, green beans have a low glycemic index, which makes them a good food option for diabetics.

They are also an excellent food for weight watchers who want a healthier alternative to high-carb foods.

Conclusion

Green beans often have a mild taste compared to other legumes.

Their mildly sweet, earthy taste is why people prefer them.

They are versatile and nutritious, making them a versatile ingredient that adds value to every meal.

If you are a healthy-eating enthusiast or are in need of a low carb food option, green beans would make an excellent addition to your diet.

Now that you know the different ways of cooking them, go ahead and enjoy green beans with a variety of flavors.