Long Beans vs Green Beans: 7 Differences You Need to Know

When it comes to beans, you can choose from all sorts of different types.

This can make it challenging to know which one is right for you and your dish.

You may have seen green beans and long beans at your local grocery store and wondered what the difference is.

Green beans and Long beans are both common types of beans  that are often used interchangeably.

You might not be aware of it, but you should be mindful of several distinctions between long and green beans.

While they may look similar, these two types of beans have different textures, flavors, and nutrient profiles.

This blog article covers two varieties of beans: green beans and long beans.

We will go over what they are, their differences, and which one might be better for you. 

Keep reading to learn more!

What are Long beans?

Long beans are a type of bean that belongs to the Fabaceae family.

They are also yard-long beans, snake beans, or asparagus beans.

Long beans are characterized by their long, thin, green fruits.

Long beans are classified as pole beans.

Pole beans grow on vines rather than bushes like green beans.

They can be either yellow or green and get their name from their long shape.

Unlike green beans, long beans are usually only eaten when the seeds are mature. 

At this stage, the seeds are large and have a white or yellow color.

The flesh surrounding the seeds is tough, fibrous, and not typically eaten.

These beans are typically harvested when they mature since they become tough if picked too early.

Long beans are a popular ingredient in many Asian dishes, such as stir-fries and curries. 

What are Green beans?

One particular vegetable member of the legume family is green beans.

Additionally, they are referred to as string beans or snap beans.

Green beans are characterized by their small, green, pod-like fruits.

These fruits contain seeds that are surrounded by a thin layer of flesh.

Green beans are typically harvested while they are still young and tender.

These beans get their name from their color, which is green.

Green beans are versatile vegetables that can be eaten raw, cooked, or canned.

Some popular dishes that include green beans are green bean casserole and three-bean salad.

They are typically eaten whole, meaning that both the pod and the bean are consumed.

What are the differences between Long beans and Green beans

Green beans and long beans are common types of beans that are often used in cooking.

These two varieties of beans have some noticeable variances even though they may appear identical.

Here’s a closer look at the difference between green beans and long beans.

1. Appearance

When it comes to green beans and long beans, the most obvious difference is in their appearance.

Their name suggests that long beans are much longer and thinner than green beans, typically shorter and wider. 

Green beans usually grow about 4 inches long, while long beans can grow up to 3 feet long!

2. Color

Another difference between long beans and green beans is their color.

As you might expect, green beans have a brighter, more vibrant green color, while long beans tend to be a darker green. 

3. Texture

Green beans have a firmer, crunchier texture, while long beans are more tender and moist. 

This difference is because long beans contain more moisture than green beans. 

4. Taste

The taste of these two varieties of beans is another distinguishing factor.

Green beans have a slightly nutty flavor that is often compared to almonds.

Long beans, on the other hand, are typically milder in flavor than green beans and have a sweeter flavor that has been described as similar to wax beans or vanilla. 

5. Uses in Cooking

When it comes to cooking, green beans are more versatile than long beans. 

They can be cooked in various ways, including steamed, boiled, sauteed, or roasted.

They are frequently used in casseroles, stir-fries, and salads.

On the other hand, long beans are typically cooked in one of two ways: steamed or stir-fried.

However, their longer length is also often used as an ingredient in soups or stews. 

6. Nutritional values

Regarding nutrition, there is very little difference between green beans and long beans.

Green beans are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, fiber, and manganese.

On the other hand, long beans are a good source of iron and protein. 

7. Availability

Green beans are widely available throughout the year and can be found at most grocery stores.

On the other hand, long beans are not as widely available and may be difficult to find at your local grocery store.

However, they can often be found at specialty stores or online. 

Long beans vs Green beans: Are they the same?

So, what’s the difference between green beans and long beans?

Green beans are bush beans harvested when they are young and tender.

Their name derives from the color green, which they are.

On the other hand, long beans are pole beans that grow on vines.

They can be either yellow or green and get their name from their long shape.

Green beans and long beans may look similar, but they have a lot of differences. 

From their shape and size to their taste and texture, these two types of beans differ in several ways.

One of the most apparent differences between green and long beans is their shape and size. 

Green beans are generally shorter and more slender than long beans.

Long beans, on the other hand, are much longer, often reaching up to 18 inches in length.

Another difference between these two types of beans is their taste and texture. 

Green beans tend to be more crunchy than long beans.

They also have a slightly sweeter flavor.

Long beans, on the other hand, are more tender than green beans.

They also have a milder flavor that some people compare to asparagus. 

So if you’re looking for a bean with a milder flavor and softer texture, go with long beans.

If you’re looking for a more versatile bean that can be cooked in various ways, go with green beans.

And if you’re looking for a healthy option packed with nutrients, you can’t go wrong with either type of bean! 

We hope this blog post has helped you understand the difference between green and long beans!

If you still can’t decide which one is right for you, we recommend trying both and seeing which one you like better. 

Happy cooking!