There are some vegetables that are vastly superior in taste when home-grown, and green beans are one of them. These tidy plants are prolific, bearing 6-inch long pods that will snap or break cleanly when ready to pick, and the seeds are quite small. Steam ever so briefly then chill to use in salads or on appetizer trays. Cook quickly in stir-fries or for side dishes - they're at their best when "al dente." 'Blue Lake' beans can be canned, pickled, or frozen if you have too many to eat at once.