Congratulations to last week’s stinging nettle contest winner: Amanda from Hoboken, NJ!  Her recipe for Cheesy Nettles Pasta got double thumbs up.  A HealthBarn USA magnet is on its way, Amanda!

Green string beans are such a wonderful snack to find in the garden.  They grow on a tall, twisty vine, and HealthBarn kids love plucking them off the pods when they’re ripe.  We grow a purple variety that’s green on the inside which makes it even more fun!  They taste extra sweet and crisp when picked right from the plant, so they’re great for munching.  Because they’re so naturally flavorful, the best green bean recipes are often very simple.  Try slicing them over salads, sautéing with some minced garlic and soy sauce, or steam them for a few minutes until just tender.

Not only are these beans delicious, but they’re packed to the brim with nutritious value.  Green beans are excellent source of the antioxidant vitamins A and C that will keep your immune system in tip-top shape as well as vitamin K to help your blood stay healthy, too!  They are also a good source of the heart healthy B vitamin, folate, the super mineral manganese, and dietary fiber, too!

Right now at the barn we are pickling our super nutritious green beans because we couldn’t possibly eat as many as we have grown, and it’s a good way to preserve food.  Here’s a favorite recipe for pickling:

 

photo from www.wholefoods.com

Sour Green Bean Brine:

Ingredients:

3 cups white vinegar

3 cups water

2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons sea salt

2 tablespoons sugar

 

Method:

Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan.  Heat to a boil and stir to dissolve salt.  Let boil for 2 minutes, and remove from heat to cool.  Once cool, distribute among pickle jars filled with blanched green beans (or raw cucumbers!).

Yield – 12; 5 oz small pickle jars.