Green or Purple Beans

In this week’s share our members will receive either green or purple beans. Both can be cooked the same way, by steaming in a basket for up to 5 minutes. The kids might enjoy watching the purple beans magically turn green!
Green beans are one of the few beans that can be eaten fresh. Green beans are often steamed, boiled, stir-fried, or baked in casseroles.
When picked young, green beans are a wonderful source of vitamin K, fiber and folate.  And what may come as a surprise to some people is that they also provide us with carotenoids as well. They also have a high antioxidant capacity.
To retain the most nutrients, steaming fresh green beans for just 5 minutes is recommended. This brings out their peak flavor while retaining their beautiful green color. Store unwashed fresh bean pods in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to seven days. Frozen green beans will retain nutrients for 3-6 months. To freeze green beans, steam them for 2-3 minutes, remove from heat and let cool before you place them in freezer bags.
A colorful addition to your CSA box, purple green beans offer the same taste and texture as basic green beans. Sliced diagonally and used fresh in salads, they retain their beautiful rich color. But when cooked, their exterior will fade from purple to green. Purple green beans are rich in dietary fiber, low in calories, and contain high levels of Vitamin A. They also carry significant amounts of Vitamin C, thiamin (Vitamin B-1) and Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine). Unwashed, purple green beans can be stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for a few days. Wash just before using, making sure to remove any sand or silt.