Nana's Famous Green Bean Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Are green beans good for diabetics? ›

Green beans are a diabetes-friendly vegetable due to their low glycemic index and high fiber content. The low glycemic index means they have a minimal impact on blood sugar levels. Additionally, the fiber in green beans slows down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, helping to stabilize blood glucose levels.

What is the difference between regular and Italian beans? In terms of varieties, string beans or regular beans are long and rounded in shape. Italian, or Romano, are flat and wide with more of a nutty flavor.

Steaming is a simple way to cook vegetables, and it leaves the flavor and much of the nutrients intact. It's slightly healthier than boiling since fewer nutrients end up in the water. Plus, steaming requires little time and attention. A steamer basket is a great kitchen tool to have on hand.

Green beans can be frozen in their raw state, but consider blanching and shocking them for the best results. Not only does cooking them this way lock in their vibrant green color, but Registered Dietitian and Chef Abbie Gellman says it also eliminates surface microorganisms and dirt, preventing deterioration.

1. Broccoli and broccoli sprouts. Sulforaphane is a type of isothiocyanate that has blood sugar-reducing properties.

Green beans have a moderate glycemic index, which means they can cause a moderate increase in blood sugar levels and subsequently insulin levels. However, the spike in insulin levels is not as significant as with high glycemic index foods.

Green beans contain phytic acid that can bind with certain minerals such as iron and prevent them from being absorbed. Those who have a mineral deficiency should consult a doctor before consuming additional green beans. Apart from this, green beans are good for you and very healthy.

Some green beans come with their stem ends already sliced off – they'll look like they have a flat, cut end. But if the stem ends are still on, snap them off before cooking. For a neater look, line up the ends of the green beans and slice them off on a bias. There's no need to trim the tender shoot on the other end.

Because each batch of beans are different it's hard to say how long it will take, but if cooked too long they become mushy and a little too waxy. The general rule is when the bean is no longer squeaky on the teeth when bit into it's done.

You can also store unwashed and unblanched green beans in the refrigerator for up to about seven days before you need to store your green beans in the freezer.

What happens if you freeze fresh green beans? ›

They hold their flavor and texture well when frozen. Just trim and blanch first, and they'll be ready for a soup or side dish later. Lori Rice is a food and beverage writer and photographer.

If you freeze green beans without blanching them first, the texture, color, and taste won't be quite as fresh when you defrost and eat them after long-term storage. They'll be good for a couple of months in the freezer, but quickly go downhill thereafter.

Kidney, pinto, navy or black beans are packed with vitamins and minerals such as magnesium and potassium. They are very high in fiber too. Beans do contain carbohydrates, but ½ cup also provides as much protein as an ounce of meat without the saturated fat.

Mushrooms, spinach, kale, soybean sprouts, celery, broccoli, cucumber, cauliflower, radishes, and asparagus are among the vegetables with the lowest sugar content available. Seafood, pork, beef, and chicken are all sugar-free.

Leafy greens.

Veggies like spinach are low-calorie and packed with magnesium, which is good because magnesium lowers your risk for Type 2 diabetes. Dark vegetables like collards and kale provide vitamins A, C, E, calcium and iron.

High-fiber foods, such as bell peppers, slow down how quickly sugar is absorbed into your bloodstream. Vitamin C may also help reduce blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, though this was studied with supplements and not with bell peppers.