Green beans!

These are the real thing. The actual variety is a mystery to me. All I know is that my father has been growing the vines in his backyard garden for years, allowing just enough pods to ripen on the plant for seed harvesting. They are not string beans. The pods are more like those of roman or pinto beans.  But, they are very tender and without tough strings. In taste, they are by far superior to any string bean or flat bean from the supermarket. I like them best steamed and served simply with a little salt, garlic and olive oil. They are also perfect for hardy vegetable soups like minestra. Served cold, they are great alone with a little seasoning, or as added to tomato and/or sliced potato salad.