Wax Beans Vs. Green Beans in the Fridge
Ever wondered what sets wax beans apart from green beans? Let's break it down so you can make the best choice for your meals and storage.
Meet Wax Beans and Green Beans
Wax beans and green beans are both part of the legume family. Green beans are the more common sight in grocery stores, but wax beans, with their pale yellow hue, offer a unique twist. Both are kitchen chameleons, fitting into a variety of dishes.
Nutritional Showdown
Both wax beans and green beans pack a punch when it comes to nutrition. Here's a quick comparison per 100 grams:
| Nutrient | Wax Beans | Green Beans |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 31 | 31 |
| Protein (g) | 1.8 | 1.8 |
| Carbs (g) | 7.1 | 7.1 |
| Fiber (g) | 3.4 | 3.4 |
| Vitamin C (mg) | 12.2 | 12.2 |
| Vitamin A (IU) | 690 | 690 |
| Iron (mg) | 1.03 | 1.03 |
Both types are low-calorie and high-fiber, making them a great addition to any diet.
What's the Difference?
While they share a lot of similarities, a few things set wax beans and green beans apart:
- Color: Wax beans are yellow, green beans are, well, green.
- Texture: Wax beans have a waxier feel, while green beans are crisper.
- Flavor: Wax beans are milder; green beans have a more pronounced, slightly grassy taste.
Want to know more about different beans? Check out our articles on english peas Vs. garden peas and black-eyed peas Vs. chickpeas.
Storing Your Beans
Keeping your beans fresh is key. Here's how to store each type:
Wax Beans Storage
- Clean and Dry: Rinse under cool water and dry with a towel.
- Refrigerate: Place in a perforated plastic bag or a container with a breathable lid.
- Humidity Control: Keep a damp paper towel in the container.
- Temperature: Store in the crisper drawer at 32°F to 40°F.
| Storage Aspect | Recommended Condition |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | Rinse and dry |
| Container | Perforated plastic bag |
| Humidity | Slightly humid |
| Temperature | 32°F - 40°F |
Green Beans Storage
- Clean and Dry: Same as wax beans.
- Refrigerate: Use a perforated plastic bag or a container that allows air circulation.
- Humidity Control: A damp paper towel helps.
- Temperature: Crisper drawer, 32°F to 40°F.
| Storage Aspect | Recommended Condition |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | Rinse and dry |
| Container | Perforated plastic bag |
| Humidity | Slightly humid |
| Temperature | 32°F - 40°F |
For more veggie storage tips, check out green beans Vs. string beans and lima beans Vs. fava beans.
Shelf Life
How long will your beans last in the fridge? Let's see:
Wax Beans
| Storage Method | Shelf Life (Days) |
|---|---|
| Loose in the fridge | 3-5 |
| Perforated plastic bag | 5-7 |
| Damp paper towel | 5-7 |
Green Beans
| Storage Method | Shelf Life (Days) |
|---|---|
| Loose in the fridge | 4-6 |
| Perforated plastic bag | 7-10 |
| Damp paper towel | 7-10 |
Proper storage keeps both types fresh and nutritious. For more tips, check out english peas Vs. garden peas and black-eyed peas Vs. chickpeas.
Cooking Tips
Cooking wax beans and green beans can be a breeze with these methods:
Wax Beans
- Steaming: Steam for 5-7 minutes.
- Blanching: Boil for 2-3 minutes, then ice water for the same time.
- Sautéing: Cook in oil or butter for 5-7 minutes.
- Roasting: Roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
Green Beans
- Boiling: Boil for 4-5 minutes.
- Stir-frying: Cook in a hot pan with oil for 4-6 minutes.
- Grilling: Grill for 5-7 minutes.
- Braising: Simmer in broth or sauce for 20-25 minutes.
Experiment to find your favorite method. For more comparisons, check out green beans Vs. string beans and edamame Vs. soybeans.
Flavor Profile
Knowing the flavor and texture helps you pick the right bean for your dish.
Wax Beans
| Attribute | Wax Beans |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Mild, slightly sweet |
| Texture | Soft, tender |
| Best Uses | Salads, sautés, light stir-fries |
Green Beans
| Attribute | Green Beans |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Earthy, robust |
| Texture | Crisp, firm |
| Best Uses | Stir-fries, roasting, casseroles |
Choose based on your dish. For more, check out green beans Vs. string beans and lima beans Vs. fava beans.
Get Your Upgrade or New Addition at Fridge.com
Whether you're searching for your perfect fridge, freezer, wine fridge, beer fridge, ice maker, or kegerator, we have what you need.
Shop the world's best brands at Fridge.com.
We also have tons of awesome articles about kitchen stuff and home news. Enhance your home, garage, backyard, patio, and office with the coolest essentials. With every necessary type of residential refrigerator or freezer in our collection, we've got you covered.
Elevate your game and shop now at Fridge.com!
