Most of you will recognize the wonderful cucumber, the gorgeous tomato, and the bright yellow squash; however, do you recognize the bean looking thing in the bowl? I found these at the Farmington Farmer’s Market last Saturday. Raised by a producer from Perry County, I was told they are “Roma” green beans. A quick look on Goodsearch.com and I decided I should be familiar with these beans.
For those in the dark (like I was) they are an Italian bean, also known as a variety of pole bean. But with as many beans as I have bought at the farmer’s markets over the past few years I must have skipped over these. My adventurous food spirit tickled my fancy and I quickly grabbed up the only bag she had on the table.
Now with bean in hand what do I do? I’m learning that the best expert to ask in how to cook a farmer’s market item is the farmer who produced the product. So I asked for, and received, the producer’s choice for preparing my flat, green, bumpy, bean-looking thingy. That evening, I followed her suggestion and was wonderfully surprised. They are so yummy! Different from the standard green beans I get at the market, these have a nutty flavor. I’m glad it was a generous size bag. With Doug and I being empty-nesters, we will have several chances to enjoy this “Roma” green bean.
If you come across these beans at your farmer’s market, here is the simple recipe the producer gave me.
Roma green beans
Onion
Olive oil (I added a little butter)
Salt & pepper
Clean and snap the beans. In a pan, just cover the beans with water and set to boil. Cook until tender crisp (don’t overcook), drain, and set aside. In the pan sauté the onion in olive oil until tender. Add the beans, a little butter, and salt and pepper to taste. Continue to sauté for a few minutes allowing the onion and olive oil to blend with the beans. Then serve. (Or if you are like me – start munching from the pan!)
Get on out to your farmer’s market and discover your “taste of place” this season!
Lisa J. Palmer, Coordinator
PS: for a list of Farmer’s Markets in the MRHA region, visit our website by clicking on the MRHA logo.
For those in the dark (like I was) they are an Italian bean, also known as a variety of pole bean. But with as many beans as I have bought at the farmer’s markets over the past few years I must have skipped over these. My adventurous food spirit tickled my fancy and I quickly grabbed up the only bag she had on the table.
Now with bean in hand what do I do? I’m learning that the best expert to ask in how to cook a farmer’s market item is the farmer who produced the product. So I asked for, and received, the producer’s choice for preparing my flat, green, bumpy, bean-looking thingy. That evening, I followed her suggestion and was wonderfully surprised. They are so yummy! Different from the standard green beans I get at the market, these have a nutty flavor. I’m glad it was a generous size bag. With Doug and I being empty-nesters, we will have several chances to enjoy this “Roma” green bean.
If you come across these beans at your farmer’s market, here is the simple recipe the producer gave me.
Roma green beans
Onion
Olive oil (I added a little butter)
Salt & pepper
Clean and snap the beans. In a pan, just cover the beans with water and set to boil. Cook until tender crisp (don’t overcook), drain, and set aside. In the pan sauté the onion in olive oil until tender. Add the beans, a little butter, and salt and pepper to taste. Continue to sauté for a few minutes allowing the onion and olive oil to blend with the beans. Then serve. (Or if you are like me – start munching from the pan!)
Get on out to your farmer’s market and discover your “taste of place” this season!
Lisa J. Palmer, Coordinator
PS: for a list of Farmer’s Markets in the MRHA region, visit our website by clicking on the MRHA logo.
