Cooking With Snap Beans

Snap beans are rich in complex carbohydrates and have some fiber and protein. They are also a good source of vitamins A, B, and C, plus calcium and iron. Prepare and eat snap beans soon after harvesting. Eat them raw, alone or with a dip, in salads (3-bean salad is a favorite), or steamed and served with butter. Stir-fry them with some chicken and soy or black bean sauce or combine them with other cooked vegetables, as in soups or stews. For something really different, try picking a few bean flowers and tossing them into a salad to add a touch of sweet taste.