Green beans, known for their tender, stringless pods, belong to the Fabaceae family. Native to Mexico and Peru, these beans have been cultivated for over 5,000 years. Although they are mostly consumed for their green pods today, initially only the dried seeds were eaten. They are popular for their flavor and nutritional properties, being rich in water, fiber, proteins, and low in fat. They are ideal for diets and benefit health by providing vitamins A, C, B1, B3, B6, B2, and minerals like potassium, calcium, and iron. Green beans help with hypertension, kidney stones, and anemia. They are sold year-round, but the best season is in spring and summer. When buying, they should be shiny and bright green. For storage, keep them in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator. They are an excellent side dish for meats, fish, and pair wonderfully with Serrano ham or extra virgin olive oil.