Yardlong Bean

• The Yardlong Bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis) is a long, thin Asian bean, also known as the long-podded cowpea, asparagus bean, snake bean, or Chinese long bean.
• It can measure from one to three feet in length, but are best eaten when they are 12 to 20 inches long, before they reach full maturity
• It is a bean with a mild taste, similar to a Western string bean, that is grown in varieties identified by color as either light (pale) green or dark green beans.
• The plant is of a different genus than the common bean. It is grown primarily for its strikingly long (35-75 cm) immature pods and has uses very similar to that of a green bean.
• It is a vigorous climbing annual vine. The plant is subtropical/tropical and most widely grown in the warmer parts of Southeastern Asia, Thailand, and Southern China.
• They are a good source of protein, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, iron, phosphorus, and potassium, and a very good source for vitamin C, folate, magnesium, and manganese.
• The crisp, tender pods are eaten both fresh and cooked. They are at their best when young and slender. Use before they reach full maturity.