Wax Bean Recipes

Wax Beans

Wax beans, sometimes called yellow beans, are a close relative of green beans. These types of fresh beans are members of the legume family. They are cooked and eaten before they fully mature, unlike dried beans. At certain times, you can also find purple wax beans at your local supermarket, and this variety is a favorite in the home garden, too.

Wax beans can be used almost interchangeably with green or snap beans in most recipes. They are excellent for canning and freezing, too!

Choosing Fresh Wax Beans for Recipes

When you buy wax beans look for smooth, whole pods that are free of blemishes and cuts. If you can see the outline of the beans inside the pods, the beans are too old, and will be tough and stringy. Also avoid pods that are broken, or look like they have insect damage. They should be completely yellow in color, with no green or tan showing on the pod. Purple wax beans should be dark purple in color, but will turn green after cooking.

Fresh Bean Storage

Just like their cousin the green bean, wax beans do not do their best in the refrigerator. If you do store them there, make sure you put them in a perforated-type bag, and store them in the crisper bin before using them in your wax bean recipes. They will remain fresh for about 3 to 5 days if you use this method. If you store them at room temperature, they may stay fresh a bit longer; a cool, well-ventilated area is best.

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