Chinese Long Beans – Symbol Of Long Life

The Chinese  believe that Long Beans are a symbol of long life, owing to their length. As a result, it is a ritual to eat these beans on the occasion of the Chinese New Year. This year, the celebrations wil begin on January 23,  and there could not be a better occasion than this to familiarize the non-Asian readers about these beans:

 Chinese Long Bean

Also known as Yardlong Bean, this subtropical/tropical annual plant is a vigorous climbing plant, which produces long pods, which are 14 to 30 inches long within a month of sowing. Interestingly, the pods hand in pairs and are harvested before they mature. Pods become crisp, tender, and delicious when they are ready to be eaten. These beans are chopped to desirable pieces and cooked just like common green beans.

The popularity of these beans is visible in the fact that the Oriental region grows as many as 10 varieties, which are:

1) Yardlong Bean, Black Seed

These beans grow up to 24 inches in length. The firm texture of these beans is complimented in its good flavor, although it matures late and is a popular plant in Southern China.

2) Yardlong Bean, Red Seed 

This plant has small seeds and its pods are dark green with thick flesh. Grown in various parts of Asia, this vigorous plant produces beans over a long period.

3) Yardlong Bean, Black Stripe Seed

This is a relatively new variety of long beans, developed in Taiwan. The seeds have black and white stripes, which is why it is also called a White/Black long bean.

4) Yardlong Bean, Kaohsiung

The thick, meaty, and crispy pods of this plant derive their name from Kaohsiung, the place of origin of this long bean. This variety is easy to grow and is suitable for kitchen gardens.

5) Yardlong Bean, White Seed

This is again a new variety of long bean, with light green pods, which are just right for stir-fry. This variety gives lots of pods, which can grow up to 20 inches in length.

6) Yardlong Bean, Red Stripe Seed

This variety of long beans is grown in cool, dry climate and with supports, suitable for kitchen gardens. The seeds have red and white stripes, which is why the variety is also called Red/White Seeded.

7) Yardlong Bean, Orient Extra Long

This productive variety is meaty, crispy and red-seeded. The pods reach up to 70 cm in length.

8) Yardlong Bean, Stickless Wonder 

This variety of long beans gets its name from the fact that no poles or supports are required to grow it. Grown in warm climate, this plant is suitable for commercial production as well as being grown in kitchen gardens.

9) Yardlong Bean, 3-Feet-Plus

With extra long pods, this plant reaches up to 90 cm in length and is grown in subtropical/tropical areas. This variety is excellent to be used in soups and stir-fry.

10) Yardlong Bean, Purple Pod

This unique variety comes in purple color and is tasty enough to give tender and firm pods for cooking purpose.

These varieties of beans are too good to be cooked and there are a lot of dishes you can cook with these beans. Some examples are – Chinese long bean in South Indian curry, Stir-fried pork with Chinese long beans, Long beans in black bean sauce.

That was the lowdown on the Chinese long beans, considered a symbol of long life. So, this Chinese New Year, which happens to be the Year of Dragon, celebrate your long life with the Yardlong beans.

Image Courtesy: evergreenseeds.com