Most people never consider all the facts about the food they eat, especially if it's something they know is probably good for them, like vegetables. One of those vegetables is green beans. Have you ever thought about green beans, I mean really though, I know I have not? Although not a lot of thought is put into what green beans are or where they came from, those facts are interesting to know. This paper will discuss the origin and evolution of green beans, the cultures they are used in, their uses, nutritional value, and health benefits or risks.
             Beginning with the origin and evolution, it is estimated that green beans were first grown about 7,000 years ago by Indian tribes in the Tehuacan Valley of Mexico and in Callejon de Huaylas, Peru. The beans were domesticated independently in different areas from a common wild ancestor. These separate domestications led to the development of the different colored beans. For example, light-colored, small-seeded varieties developed in Mexico and dark-colored, large-seeded varieties in Peru. They gradually spread throughout the Americas by migrating bands of Indians. By the time the British colonists arrived in the 17th century, they found Indians growing beans in New England and Virginia. The beans were then spread throughout the world by the Portuguese and Spanish explores. They became important crops in Africa, Asia, and Europe (F.N. Encyclopedia 1:172-173). Now green beans are produced and used by many cultures around the world. One interesting fact is that the Chinese produce the greenest beans in the world. Other countries that produce green beans, in order of greatest production include Turkey, Spain, Italy, France, Egypt, the U.S.A., Romania, Japan, and Indonesia (F.N. Encyclopedia 1: 173). Since we know where green is produced, how are they used? Green beans may be used and prepared in several different ways. They may be canned, used in casseroles, stews, soups, or as a simple side di...