Also called long beans and yard-long beans. This bean grows wild in tropical Africa, where it probably originated. Growing to 38 cm (15 inches) and more long, with a crunchy texture and similar taste to green beans, they are available in two varieties : pale green with slightly fibrous flesh, and darker green with firmer flesh. Use when as fresh as possible. Just snip off the ends and cut into bite-sized pieces. String-less green beans can be used instead.