green bean
Definition
Noun: 1. The immature, edible pod of a bean plant: A long, slender, green vegetable pod, typically eaten whole (including the seeds inside) before the seeds mature and harden. 2. The plant producing such pods: A variety of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) cultivated specifically for harvesting and eating its unripe pods.
Examples
- As a vegetable (pod):
- She added fresh green beans to the stir-fry.
- For dinner, we're having steamed green beans with almonds.
- Referring to the plant:
- The green bean plants are climbing the trellis in the garden.
Advanced Usage
- Culinary Context: The term "green bean" specifies the stage and manner of consumption. It distinguishes the vegetable from "shelling beans" (where only the mature seeds are eaten) or "dried beans."
- Varietal Names: While "green bean" is the general term, specific cultivars have names like "string bean" (older varieties with a fibrous string), "snap bean" (for the sound they make when broken), or "haricot vert" (French for a slender, tender variety).
Variants and Related Words
- String bean: A synonym for green bean, especially for varieties that historically had a tough "string" along the pod seam.
- Snap bean: Another synonym, emphasizing the pod's crisp, snappy texture when fresh.
- Wax bean: A closely related type with a yellow pod instead of a green one.
- Runner bean (): A different species with edible pods, also sometimes called green beans.
Synonyms
- French bean (common in British English)
- String bean
- Snap bean
Related Phrases
- Topped and tailed: A preparation phrase meaning the stem and tip ends of the green bean have been removed.
- Make sure the green beans are topped and tailed before cooking.
Noun
-
a common bean plant cultivated for its slender green edible pods
-
immature bean pod eaten as a vegetable
