Long green beans is a type of vegetable and a class of beans that is edible and can be eaten while still unripe. Sometimes, it is called string beans, snap beans, or pole beans. But they are all just the same. These have been cultivated for so long to be stringless so that the inedible string or part of it will be gone. True to its name, long green beans are green but that is not always the case. There are also yellow, and purple of this kind as the green bean is only a type of Phaseolus vulgaris. Before this is cultivated all over the world, long green beans are native to Central, North, and South of America. They are not seasonal, so they are available throughout the year, but its peak season is between May and October so it’s much cheaper at that time of the year. Just like any other vegetable, long green beans have health benefits too. It contains various essential nutrients that are of benefit to the body. Among them are antioxidants, vitamin C, flavonols, and quercetin. These nutrients and the antioxidants present in long beans help reduce cell damage. More so, it helps lower one’s risk of particular health conditions. HEALTH BENEFITS: Heart health. Long green beans are rich in fibre which is an essential nutrient for all its benefits. Fibre, and specifically the soluble one, help in improving heart health by reducing the bad cholesterol levels of one’s body. Gut health. Fibres are present in long green beans and their benefit is not only for the health of one’s heart. It is also helpful in keeping the digestive system healthy and run smoothly. However, it doesn’t apply to everyone as there is a certain digestive disorder that does not react the same way with fibre. It sometimes does more harm than good and will leave the body with gas and intestinal discomfort. There are various ways on how to cook long green beans and among others is this Spicy Stir-Fried Chinese Long Beans. INGREDIENTS: For the sauce: 2 tbsp of Chinese Chili Bean Sauce 2 tbsp oyster sauce of your choice 1 tbsp sugar For the stir fry: 1 tbsp cooking oil 6 slices of thick centre cut or 4 slices of thick-cut bacon cut into bite sizes 3 cloves of chopped garlic 1 small shallot, chopped or ¼ small onion 1lb long green beans cut into 2in long ¼ chicken stock PROCEDURE In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients for the sauce and set aside. Heat a wok over high heat. Add oil and bacon. Cook it until the edges are crispy. Add garlic and shallot. Stir fry for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until you can smell the fragrance. Pour the sauce mixture and stir fry for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Do not burn the sauce. Add the long beans and chicken stock and steam for 5 to 6 minutes. Serve and enjoy.