RUNNER BEANS	VEGETABLES - KNOW YOUR VEG

Runner beans are long, flat green beans that have a coarse textured skin. More mature beans may have a fibrous string running down each side.

How To Use Runner Beans

Runner beans are served cooked, usually as an accompaniment to meat or fish dishes. To serve, toss in butter and a little lemon zest or stir in 1 tbsp pine nuts and a drizzle of oil from a jar of sun-dried tomatoes.

How To Prepare Runner Beans

Wash and top and tail the beans and if necessary remove the string from the side of the bean using a small, sharp knife. Chop the beans into even-sized diamond pieces or slice into ribbons before cooking.

How To Cook Runner Beans

Runner beans can be boiled or steamed. To boil, bring a pan of water to the boil, add the prepared beans and cook for 5 - 10 minutes or until just tender but still crisp. To steam, place the beans in a steamer and cook for 8 - 12 minutes or until just tender but still crisp.

How To Store Runner Beans

Keep refrigerated after purchase.

The information and images for this article have come from www.thinkvegetables.co.uk. It provides full information on all the main vegetables available on the UK market including nutritional information and delicious recipes. The site is a service provided by Mack Vegetables, one of the largest and most successful suppliers of fresh vegetables in the UK, serving a wide range of customers from caterers to major multiples. You can find out more about Mack by visiting the website at www.mwmack.co.uk