I first ate yard long beans- also known as snake beans or Chinese long beans- in Thailand in 2016.

Stir-fried into my rice dish, they looked similar to the green bean I knew, but tasted a bit sweeter & crisper.

When I inquired about the unknown bean, the waitress brought a nearly 2 foot long green pod to the table. She explained that the pod is chopped into shorter pieces, then stir-fried like a regular bean.

Upon further research, I learned that yard long beans thrive in heat & humidity & therefore, grow well in sub-tropical/tropical climates. They are quick growing, heavy producers & I couldn’t resist a trial planting of yard long beans at Mahaba Farms this summer.

The yard long bean plant & its gorgeous flower (pictured above) attracts a lot of pollinators. The ants especially love it, so that was a constant battle (managed organically, of course).

Yard long beans are a delicious source of protein, iron, thiamin, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C, folate- among others.

Although commonly found throughout Asia, yard long beans are not typically available in American stores. I believe these scrumptious beans should be able to be enjoyed by anyone living in regions where the yard long bean thrives. Thus, yard long beans will remain a summer crop at Mahaba Farms. You’ll thank me later 😉