Yard Long Beans or Asparagus Beans

The yard long bean is a Southeast Asian bean variety that can grow up to one meter long. Therefore, these beans are also called “meter beans”. Other names are “asparagus beans” or “garden beans.” In Thai, the yard long bean is called “Thua Fak Yao” ( ถั่วฝักยาว ). The color of yard long beans varies, just like our native beans, from light green to dark green to purple.

Fresh Beans

Unlike European bean varieties, fresh yard long beans can be eaten raw, which may be somewhat difficult for us Europeans, as we’ve been taught from childhood never to eat beans raw. They are therefore a popular ingredient for Thai salads. Of course, you can also cook, fry, or steam them, but they’re almost too good for that.

Usage

Frozen Beans

If you can’t find fresh yard long beans at your Asian supermarket of choice, it may be worth taking a look in their freezer section, as yard long beans are also available frozen. Of course, they will already be cut into pieces. For all dishes where yard long beans are used raw, this is only a moderate substitute, but they are ideal for recipes where the yard long beans are cooked anyway.

Pickled Beans

Yard long beans are also available in pickled form. However, these are mainly used in Chinese cuisine and are by no means a substitute for fresh beans.