Pole Beans

Storage: Store unwashed fresh beans in a reusable container or plastic bag in the refrigerator. Whole beans stored this way should keep for about seven days.

Preparation: Pole beans can be cooked whole, after topping, tailing and stringing them, but most preparations require that you cut the beans into smaller pieces. Steam or boil pole beans in salted water for 5 to 20 minutes, tasting the beans often to determine when they have become tender.

Taste: Sweeter and starchier than bush beans.

Nutritional Benefits: Pole beans are high in fiber and a great source of calcium, silicon, iron and potassium.