Green beans are a predominant summer vegetable, which belong to the wider category of beans. The varieties found in Messinia are Pichiariko or vine beans, tsaouli and zargana. Traditionally, they are cooked in a pot with olive oil, onions and tomato.
Green beans are low in calories and high in nutritional value. They are rich in vitamins C and A (protection against atherosclerosis), vitamin K (essential for blood clotting), manganese, potassium, folic acid and iron. They also contain fiber, magnesium, thiamine, riboflavin, calcium, phosphorus, enough protein and niacin. The last has heart protective properties while magnesium helps reduce blood pressure.