Beans are mature or dry seeds that are extracted from the pods of Phaseolus plants. Depending on the regions where it is grown, it takes on various names, including: bean, habichuela, caraota, haba, haba, green beans, among others.
The cultivation of green beans occurs in the north of the country in regions such as Galicia and Asturias , but it is not produced on a large scale, they barely manage to cover the internal needs of their market. The secret of this crop is knowing the exact harvest point; harvesting must begin when it shows signs of being ripe. A bad harvesting procedure could alter everything from its color to changing its particular flavor, which is why it is a delicate crop.
Tips for using green beans
Green beans have a variety of culinary uses. The healthiest way to eat them is to pour them into a container with water, previously soaked overnight, and let them cook for approximately 30 minutes, then strain, eliminating the water and using the parboiled beans to prepare various foods such as: salads , sautéed vegetables with garlic, puree or the typical Spanish stew known as menestra palentina.
Benefits of green beans
Green beans are recognized for being important sources of proteins, minerals, vitamins and for their high fiber content. In gastronomy, it is a top-of-the-line food, especially to achieve a satiating effect for a longer period of time. The benefits of green beans focus on:
1. Improves the digestive system
Its high fiber content helps prevent intestinal diseases, its consumption should be moderate and not exceed portions that exceed 25 grams per day to have positive effects on our body. A consumption that exceeds what is estimated could cause anti-nutrient effects, for the simple reason that we are saturating our body with fiber. And consequently we could be blocking the correct absorption of some essential nutrients.
2. Antioxidant
The antioxidant benefits come from the presence of vitamin C, beta-carotene and manganese, as well as a large amount of flavonoids and carotenoids.
3. Prevents anemia
Among the notable nutrients that green beans have is iron, an essential element to guarantee the transport of oxygen through the blood. One of the ways to enhance its absorption is by supplementing with vitamin C to make the most of its benefits.
Green bean recipes with Mediterranean style.
Green vegetables with prawns and artichokes
Green vegetables with prawns and artichokes are a typical Mediterranean recipe, for this you will need the following ingredients:
- 500 g of beans
- 2 leeks
- 1 green pepper
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 300 g of shrimp
- 1 glass of white wine
- Parsley
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 artichokes
Preparation :
1. Soak the green beans the night before and the next day boil them for 30 minutes with new water.
2. Finely chop the leek and green pepper.
3. In a frying pan, sauté the garlic without letting it brown, add the prawns and add the glass of white wine, salt and chopped parsley.
for approximately five minutes. Remove from heat.
4. When the beans have been cooking for an hour, add the shrimp broth and reserve the shrimp for later.
5. With the superficial leaves of the artichoke, turn them and chop them finely, then place them in a frying pan with plenty of oil and when it is very hot, add these artichoke leaves. When they are ready, take them out and place them on absorbent paper to drain.
At the time of presentation of the dish, the beans are served, in one case, the prawns that we reserved are placed and garnished with crispy artichoke leaves on top.
related products
