As warm days settle across Australia, green beans reach their peak - crisp, slender and vibrantly green. Snapped straight from the vine or tossed sizzling into a pan, they bring a brightness that tastes like pure Summer.
Tender yet crunchy, delicate yet versatile, green beans elevate everything from simple sides to full-flavoured meals with their clean, garden-fresh sweetness.
Choosing the Best Green Beans
Look for beans that are firm, smooth and brightly coloured, with no signs of wilting or bruising. They should have a gentle sheen and feel crisp when bent - the best beans give a satisfying ‘snap’. Avoid pods that appear limp, spotty or swollen, as these may be tough or over-mature. Slim to medium-sized beans typically offer the best texture and flavour.
Storing for Freshness
Green beans are at their best soon after picking, but you can keep them fresh for up to a week with proper storage. Place unwashed beans in a breathable bag or container and store them in the vegetable crisper. Moisture can lead to spoilage, so pat them dry if they appear damp.
For longer keeping, blanch the beans briefly, cool them quickly in ice water, then freeze - perfect for tossing into stir-fries, pasta and salads whenever you need a quick vegetable boost.
Preparing and Cooking
Green beans are wonderfully low-effort and highly adaptable. Trim the ends just before cooking to keep them crisp and vibrant. Steam or blanch them for a tender bite, sauté them until blistered and caramelised, or roast them for deeper, nutty flavours.
Green beans pair beautifully with garlic, lemon, butter, chilli, toasted nuts and fresh herbs. Whether served warm or chilled, they add colour, texture and freshness to any plate.
Nutritional Highlights
Naturally low in calories and rich in fibre, green beans are a wholesome addition to everyday meals. They’re an excellent source of vitamins A, C and K, along with folate and antioxidants that support immune health and cell vitality. With their gentle sweetness and satisfying crunch, green beans offer a nourishing, delicious way to celebrate seasonal produce.
Here are three recipes to put fresh and in-season green beans on the table this week:
Smoky, vibrant and packed with umami, these grilled green beans and baby broccoli are coated in a silky miso glaze that caramelises beautifully over the heat. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavour, this simple side dish brings a savoury depth and fresh crunch to any meal, from weeknight dinners to Summer barbeques.
This vibrant tofu and green bean stir-fry served with soba noodles is full of colour, crunch and flavour. Light yet satisfying, it combines tender noodles, crisp beans and golden tofu in a deliciously savoury sauce. Quick to cook and endlessly versatile, it’s a wholesome lunch or dinner everyone will love.
Tender chicken breast fillets are tossed with crisp green beans and vibrant Asian greens in this succulent stir-fry. Light, fresh and full of flavour, it brings together juicy chicken and bright vegetables in a glossy, savoury sauce. Quick to cook and impossible to resist, it’s a dish made for second helpings.
