Chinese “snake beans” (Asparagus Beans:Vigna unguiculata subspecies sesquipedalis) look like string beans, but they are much longer, and should not be eaten raw. The asparagus bean grows 35 to 75 cm (1 to 2.5 feet) in length. They are also known as “yardlong beans,” “Chinese long beans,” “pea beans,” and “long-podded cowpea.”
Snake beans and green beans
Green beans, also known as “French beans,” “string beans,” or “snap beans,” make a great substitute if you cannot get the snake beans. The two, Asparagus beans and String beans, are very similar in taste and texture.
Several of our recipes use Chinese snake beans, and work just as well with string beans.
Nutrition benefits of Chinese long beans (Vigna unguiculata subspecies sesquipedalis), 100g sample
Source: USDA Food Data Central
| Nutrient | Amount | Recommended Daily Allowance | % RDA |
|---|---|---|---|
| calcium | 50 mg | 1300 mg | 4% |
| folate (B9) | 62 µg | 400 µg | 16% |
| iron | .47 mg | 18 mg | 3% |
| magnesium | 44 mg | 420 mg | 10% |
| manganese | .205 mg | 2.3 mg | 9% |
| niacin (B3) | .41 mg | 16 mg | 3% |
| pantothenic acid (B5) | .055 mg | 5 mg | 1% |
| phosphorus | 59 mg | 1,250 mg | 5% |
| potassium | 240 mg | 4,700 mg | 5% |
| riboflavin (B2) | .11 mg | 1.3 mg | 8% |
| thiamine (B1) | .107 mg | 1.2 mg | 9% |
| vitamin A | 43 µg | 900 µg | 5% |
| vitamin B6 | .024 mg | 1.7 mg | 1% |
| vitamin C | 18.8 mg | 90 mg | 21% |
| zinc | .37 mg | 11 mg | 3% |
| fiber | – | – | – |
| carbohydrates | 8.35 g |
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