Is Snake Bean Edible? A Guide to Growing and Cooking This Long Vegetable

January 4, 2026 •

4 min read

Native to Southeast Asia, the snake bean—also known as the yardlong bean—is a climbing plant that produces pods up to a meter in length. Yes, the snake bean is edible, and its crunchy, slightly sweet flavor makes it a versatile ingredient in many Asian dishes, including stir-fries, curries, and salads.

Quick Summary

A comprehensive guide to growing and cooking snake beans. Find out if this long, slender vegetable is edible and discover versatile recipes for Asian-inspired dishes.

Key Points

Edible and Nutritious: The snake bean (or yardlong bean) is a safe and healthy vegetable, rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and minerals.
Not for Raw Consumption: Like many legumes, snake beans should be cooked before eating to neutralize naturally occurring toxins.
Versatile Ingredient: Snake beans can be used in many recipes, particularly Asian stir-fries, curries, and salads.
Unique Flavor and Texture: They offer a sweeter taste and a firmer, crunchier texture compared to standard green beans.
Easy to Grow in Warm Climates: Thriving in heat and humidity, they are a prolific crop for home gardeners and require a trellis for support.
Optimal Harvesting Time: For the best flavor and tenderness, harvest the pods when they are young and before the seeds are fully developed.
Different from Snake Gourd: While often confused, the edible snake bean is a true bean, distinct from the ornamental snake gourd.

Is the Snake Bean Truly Edible?

Yes, the snake bean is perfectly edible and is a staple in many tropical and subtropical cuisines. This long, slender legume is known by several names, including yardlong bean, Chinese long bean, and asparagus bean. While its length might seem unusual, its use in the kitchen is very similar to that of a common green bean.

However, it's important to differentiate the edible snake bean (Vigna unguiculata ssp. sesquipedalis) from the inedible, ornamental snake gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina), though some varieties of the gourd are edible when harvested young. The edible variety, which is the focus of this article, has a texture and flavor profile that makes it a popular ingredient worldwide. It is important to note, like many beans, snake beans should be cooked before consumption to neutralize potential toxins.

Nutritional Benefits of Snake Beans

Incorporating snake beans into your diet offers a range of nutritional benefits. They are a healthy, low-calorie option packed with vitamins and minerals.

Rich in Vitamins: Snake beans are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, all of which are crucial for overall health.
Good for Digestion: Their high dietary fiber content aids in healthy digestion and can help prevent constipation.
Source of Minerals: They contain essential minerals like iron, potassium, and magnesium.
Antioxidant Properties: Snake beans contain flavonoids and other antioxidants that help protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals.

How to Grow Snake Beans

Growing your own snake beans can be a rewarding experience, especially since they thrive in warm climates and produce a large yield. Here’s a quick guide to getting started:

Preparation: Choose a location with full to semi-shade and prepare a trellis or teepee for the vines to climb. They can grow up to 2 meters high.
Planting: Sow seeds 2.5cm deep and about 30cm apart. They do best when direct-sown into the soil.
Watering: Water the soil well after planting, then hold off until they germinate (about 3-5 days). Once established, keep the plants consistently moist.
Care: As they are legumes, they don't require heavy fertilization. Adding compost to the soil before planting is sufficient.
Harvesting: You can begin harvesting 8-10 weeks after sowing. The pods are most tender and flavorful when they are 30-45cm long, before the seeds fully swell.

Cooking with Snake Beans

Snake beans can be used in most dishes that call for green beans, with a slightly different texture and flavor profile. Here are some popular cooking methods:

Stir-frying: This is one of the most common ways to prepare them. Chop them into 5cm lengths and stir-fry with garlic, chilies, or oyster sauce.
Curries: The crunchy texture holds up well in curries, adding a pleasant bite to rich sauces.
Salads: Younger, more tender beans can be chopped and added raw to salads for a fresh, crunchy element.
Blanching: Lightly blanching the beans before adding them to other dishes helps them retain their bright color and crispness.

Comparison: Snake Beans vs. Green Beans

While they are often used interchangeably, snake beans and green beans have some key differences in taste, texture, and growth habits.


Feature	Snake Beans (Yardlong Beans)	Green Beans (Common String Beans)
Appearance	Extremely long, slender pods (up to 120cm).	Shorter, typically 10-20cm pods.
Texture	Crunchy and firm, even after cooking.	Softer and more tender when cooked.
Flavor	Slightly sweeter than green beans, with a hint of nuttiness or cucumber when raw.	More vegetal, classic 'bean' flavor.
Growth Habit	Thrives in hot, humid climates.	Prefers more temperate conditions.
Harvesting	Pods are picked while still immature for best flavor.	Harvested at various stages, depending on the variety.

Popular Snake Bean Recipes

Spicy Snake Beans with Peanut Sauce: A quick and easy dish. Boil the beans for a few minutes until bright green, then toss with chili oil and a sauce made from peanut butter, soy sauce, and rice wine vinegar.
Indonesian Stir-fry (Lombok Style): Sauté chopped chilies and garlic, then add snake beans, kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), and a touch of sugar. Finish with toasted coconut and cashews.
Thai Basil Snake Beans: Stir-fry beans with Thai basil, light soy sauce, and sesame oil in a hot wok until blistered.
Snake Bean and Coconut Milk Curry: Simmer the beans in a flavorful curry paste with coconut milk, tamarind, and aromatic spices.

Conclusion: Enjoying the Edible Snake Bean

To answer the question, "is snake bean edible?" with a definitive yes, it is important to understand what the plant truly is. The long, slender yardlong bean, often called a snake bean, is not only safe to eat but also a delicious and nutritious vegetable. Its mild, slightly sweet flavor and crunchy texture make it a fantastic addition to a variety of dishes, from simple stir-fries to complex curries. Whether you grow it yourself in a warm climate or find it at an Asian market, the snake bean is a versatile ingredient that deserves a place in your culinary repertoire. Just remember to cook it properly to bring out its best flavor and ensure safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the edible snake bean is not toxic when cooked properly. Like many beans, it contains naturally occurring toxins that are destroyed by heat during the cooking process. You should not eat snake beans raw.

When cooked, snake beans have a very similar flavor to green beans, though they can be slightly sweeter. However, they maintain a firmer, crisper texture after cooking compared to the softer green bean.

Snake beans are very versatile. They are most commonly used in Asian stir-fries, curries, and soups. You can also steam or lightly blanch them to use in salads or serve as a simple side dish.

Preparing snake beans is simple. Wash them thoroughly, then trim off the ends. Cut the long pods into manageable 5-10cm lengths before adding them to your dish.

Fresh snake beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four weeks when properly sealed in a bag. They also freeze well after blanching.

Yes, there are different varieties of edible snake beans, some with green pods and others with different coloration. The term 'snake bean' can also sometimes refer to an edible gourd, which is a different plant altogether.

Snake beans are often found in Asian grocery stores and specialty produce markets. They can also be purchased at farmer's markets, and seeds are widely available online for home gardeners.