The most commonly eaten fresh beans are the green beans, which are also called snap beans or string beans. The outer green covering is an edible bean pod. We enjoy them raw in salads or with dips, or cooked plain or in other dishes. Select beans that are young (without large bulges in the pod from maturing beans), firm, and bright in color and without blemishes. The outer texture of the bean should feel velvety. See the nutritional charts by clicking on the photo or link for raw and cooked green beans.