Fresh Florida Snap Beans for the Holidays1 min read

What is the difference between green beans, snap beans and string beans? Actually, there is no difference at all. They are all the same. Green bean is an obvious term. And the word snap bean is often used because of the immature pods that snap when bent. The phrase string bean is derived from the stringy fibers that used to run down the seams of the pods. These were generally removed by hand after picking. However, after decades of hybridizing, modern green beans no longer have strings. But whether you call them green beans, snap beans or string beans, they are all delicious.

Snap beans like to grow in loamy soil and hot weather. And in south Florida where a majority of our snap beans grow, there is plenty of both. There are two common types of snap beans: bush beans and pole beans. Bush beans are planted in rows and pole beans are planted against a teepee so they can climb. But we grow mostly bush beans.

Snap beans are abundant in Florida from November to May and are eaten during the winter months all over the country. So, if you plan to add fresh green beans to your menu during the holidays, you can thank our farmers. Try our Florida Snap Beans with Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms recipe and enjoy this special season.