Asparagus beans, also known as yardlong beans, are technically not beans at all, but are actually the same species as Southern peas (cowpeas). Like Southern peas, they perform exceptionally well in hot and humid climates like the American Southeast and Midwest. The climbing vines produce flowers that are great for pollinators, and loads of long, slender pods that can be used much like any green bean. Though still a bit of a novelty here in the states, asparagus beans are a major vegetable in many Southeast Asian cuisines, where they are a prized ingredient in a number of different stir-fries, curries, and soups.
