Wax beans are a versatile and entirely edible type of bean, enjoyed in various culinary applications. Based on their characteristics, they can be used in multiple ways to add a sweet, earthy flavor and snappy texture to dishes.
Wax beans, known for their pale yellow color and succulent texture, offer flexibility in the kitchen. Unlike some vegetables, their entire pod is edible, making prep simple.
Common Ways to Use Wax Beans
The reference highlights specific methods for preparing and consuming these beans:
- Eaten Raw: Thanks to their snappy and extremely succulent texture, wax beans can be enjoyed fresh without any cooking. This preserves their raw sweetness and crispness.
- Steamed: Steaming is a popular method that gently cooks the beans while maintaining much of their texture and vibrant color (specifically for the yellow variety; purple beans will lose most color). Steamed beans are often served as a simple side dish.
- Used in Soups: Their ability to hold up during cooking makes wax beans an excellent addition to various soup recipes, contributing both flavor and texture.
- Used in Stews: Similar to soups, adding wax beans to stews allows them to absorb flavors while adding bulk and their characteristic sweetness.
An heirloom variety, described as the color of a pale sun with a "very sweet of-the-earth flavor," exemplifies the appealing qualities that make wax beans suitable for these diverse uses. Whether enjoyed raw, lightly steamed, or cooked into heartier dishes like soups and stews, their unique profile enhances many meals.
