Smooth beans offer a desirable texture and versatile use in the kitchen. Their ease of growth and pleasant eating qualities make them a popular choice for home gardens. This guide explores how to successfully grow and enjoy smooth beans from your own backyard.
Understanding Smooth Beans
The term “smooth beans” refers to varieties with a tender, stringless pod or a creamy, non-mealy texture when cooked. These qualities result from breeding efforts that minimized the fibrous “strings” common in many bean types.
Examples of smooth-podded snap beans include ‘Contender’, ‘Blue Lake’ bush beans, and ‘Kentucky Wonder’ pole beans, known for their crisp, tender pods. Other beans, like black beans or pinto beans, are valued for their smooth, creamy texture once cooked, making them ideal for dishes such as refried beans or soups.
Cultivating Smooth Beans
Cultivating smooth beans requires proper timing and soil preparation. Beans are warm-season crops and thrive when planted after the last frost, once soil temperatures reach 60°F to 70°F (15.5°C to 21°C). Planting in cooler soil can lead to poor germination and risk of seed rot.
These plants need full sun exposure (at least six to eight hours daily). Well-draining soil, rich in organic matter, supports healthy growth. While beans tolerate a range of soil pH, an ideal range is between 6.0 and 6.5. Consistent moisture is important, especially during flowering and pod development; water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Plant bush bean seeds about 1 inch deep and 2 to 6 inches apart, with rows spaced 18 to 24 inches apart. Pole bean seeds should be planted 1 to 2 inches deep and 3 to 6 inches apart at the base of a sturdy support structure, such as a trellis or poles. Providing early support for pole beans helps prevent rot and encourages better yields. Avoiding excessive nitrogen fertilizer promotes pod development over foliage.
Harvesting and Enjoying Smooth Beans
Harvesting smooth beans at the correct stage ensures flavor and texture. Snap beans are ready for picking 50 to 65 days after planting, when pods are firm, crisp, and snap easily before seeds fully develop. Regular picking (every one to three days) encourages more pods over a longer period. Leaving pods to mature on the plant shifts energy to seed development, reducing overall production.
To harvest, gently hold the stem and pull or pinch off pods, avoiding yanking to prevent plant damage. Freshly harvested smooth beans can be stored unwashed in a plastic bag or breathable container in the refrigerator crisper drawer for up to seven days. If you have an abundance, blanching and freezing is an effective preservation method, extending their quality for several months.
Beyond fresh consumption, smooth beans are versatile in the kitchen. They can be steamed, sautéed, added to stir-fries, casseroles, or soups. Beans offer significant nutritional benefits, including fiber, protein, iron, and various vitamins and minerals. Their fiber content supports digestive health and contributes to feelings of fullness.