Products

Red Chinese Long Beans

Uses

A wonderful example of the large variety of hard-to-find Asian items available from Melissa’s, the Red Chinese Long Bean is available year-round, and is a member of the same plant family as the blackeyed pea. This edible pod actually resembles the green bean, although not as crisp and is much longer and thinner. In China, the Red Chinese Long Bean is sometimes left to grow up to 3 feet in length, until the peas have matured in their pod. Usually harvested at a foot long, this legume is quite thin with a slight blackeyed pea flavor. Red Chinese Long Beans are often cut in half and sautéed or stir-fried. If overcooked, they will become mushy and lose their color.

Selection, Storage & Handling

Red Chinese Long Beans from Melissa’s are hand-selected for excellent quality. Choose fresh, flexible beans that are bright in color and free of blemishes. Avoid beans with mature seeds and swollen pods. Store in the refrigerator, unwashed in a plastic bag for up to five days.

Break off dry ends. Rinse and shake dry. Snap in half crosswise or cut diagonal. Allow about 1/4 pound per person.