Green Beans

Lately, I feel like I've been answering a lot of questions about green beans! Strange, I know! But it inspired me to create a little post on how to cook them!

Put simply, the less you cook a vegetable, the more nutrients it retains. Picking a green bean straight from your garden and immediately eating it, is the most nutritious way to go, while straight from the can is probably the least. 

Most likely- you've picked your green beans straight from the bulk bin at the grocery store. A small handful is one serving.

Start by rinsing them, then trim the ends. Easy enough?

Bring 2 cups of water to a boil, salt the water (this helps the green beans turn bright green!)- no need to go crazy, you are not doing this for flavor- just for color, a couple of pinches will do. Then, blanche the beans.

2 minutes gives you a crisp raw flavor (most nutrients left intact!)
3 minutes gives you a little bite, while still tasting "cooked" (this is my preference)
4 minutes brings you soft tender beans (least nutritious)

Drain and serve.

(Subtract one minute if you are cooking in the microwave. Place beans in microwave safe dish, with a tablespoon of water, drain and serve)

Green Beans

Savor the flavor of the beans, by dressing them with just a few drops of fresh lemon juice. No salt or butter needed... give it a try!