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Charles
My Garden
| | Posted on Sunday, August 13, 2006 - 03:33 pm EST : |   
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This is my first year growing these and, so far, I am very happy with the results.
Some information on them from: http://www.answers.com/topic/yard-long-bean
A pencil-thin legume that resembles a green bean except that it can grow up to about 3 feet long (though it's usually picked at 18 inches or less). Yard-long beans belong to the same plant family as the black-eyed pea. In fact, in parts of China the bean is allowed to mature until full-fledged peas are produced in the pod. Yard-longs have a flavor similar to but not as sweet as that of a green bean, with hints of its black-eyed-pea lineage. The texture of the pod is more pliable and not as crisp as that of a green bean. This legume, also called Chinese long bean, long bean or asparagus bean, can be found year-round (with peak season in the fall) in most Asian markets and some supermarkets with specialty produce sections. Select those that are small (which equates to younger) and very flexible; the peas should not have matured. Refrigerate in a plastic bag for up to 5 days. Yard-long beans are most often cut into 2-inch lengths and sautéed or stir-fried. Overcooking will make them mushy. These beans are rich in vitamin A and contain a fair amount of vitamin C.
These can grow to be 14 feet high, which my gazebo is not.
These are 18 to 24 inches long now.
A size comparison of my first picked, about 2 feet long. She was tasty raw and I look forward to harvesting enough for a real meal.
Charles
- Wisconsin,
Zone "A malleable 4b"
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Suzyqt1968
My Favorite Photo
My Garden Journal
My Weather
My Garden
| | Posted on Sunday, August 13, 2006 - 03:43 pm EST : |
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Wow Charles...what an interesting bean. I don't think I've ever seen them. I can't wait to see how you prepare your first big harvest. That is one long bean!!!!! And look how they've covered your trellis. I bet this makes the gazebo nice and shady!
Suzyqt1968
- Washington,
Zone "7-8"
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Charles
My Garden
| | Posted on Sunday, August 13, 2006 - 03:48 pm EST : |
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Hi Suzy!  They are really neat and I cannot wait to try them in this recipe with my garlic:
http://countingsheep.typepad.com/amuse_bouche/2004/10/chinese_yard_lo.html
Charles
- Wisconsin,
Zone "A malleable 4b"
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Greg
My Favorite Photo
My Weather
My Garden
My Time
| | Posted on Sunday, August 13, 2006 - 04:14 pm EST : |
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Looks great, Charles! When I was in graduate school and only had a small plot in the community gardens, I used to see many refugees from Laos growing these. They would make a teepee like structure using long branches about 12 feet high and the beans would climb up and over. I grew them once a few years ago. I think I need to try again!
Greg
- ND,
Zone "4"
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Charles
My Garden
| | Posted on Sunday, August 13, 2006 - 05:29 pm EST : |
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Thank you, Greg! Some people seem to think that they taste a bit like asparagus, but I would disagree, unless, at three feet, the acquire that taste. I will see soon enough. I really like the flavor, but find it difficult to describe. Definitely not your ordinary bean.
Charles
- Wisconsin,
Zone "A malleable 4b"
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Suzyqt1968
My Favorite Photo
My Garden Journal
My Weather
My Garden
| | Posted on Sunday, August 13, 2006 - 06:17 pm EST : |
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Sounds delicious. Will you omit or add the pork? I think it would taste great without. I will have to further investigate that blog page. Looks like it could have some more interesting things. Thanks Charles for sharing the link.
Suzyqt1968
- Washington,
Zone "7-8"
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Charles
My Garden
| | Posted on Sunday, August 13, 2006 - 08:27 pm EST : |
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I think that it would probably be good with or without. I will have plenty of beans and garlic for a bit, so I guess that I could try it both ways.
Charles
- Wisconsin,
Zone "A malleable 4b"
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Greg
My Favorite Photo
My Weather
My Garden
My Time
| | Posted on Sunday, August 13, 2006 - 10:19 pm EST : |
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Definitely add the pork! There's nothing better than beans, garlic, ginger, dried red chili and pork. YUM!!!
Greg
- ND,
Zone "4"
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Beverly
My Weather
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 15, 2006 - 12:25 am EST : |
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Charles,
What are the three lavender color things in the photo with the cucumbers and yard long bean? I have never seen those before?
The photos you have posted are very colorful
Beverly
SW Missouri-USA
Beverly
- SW Missouri,
Zone "2"
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Charles
My Garden
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 15, 2006 - 12:11 pm EST : |
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Hi, Beverly, and thank you. Those are Bianca di Rosa eggplants, an Italian heirloom, loved for its beauty and flavor.
Charles
- Wisconsin,
Zone "A malleable 4b"
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