Sitaw Health Benefits

sitaw health benefits
Sitaw Health Benefits | Image Source: Food and Nutrition Research Institute

Sitaw Health Benefits You May Not Be Aware Of

Sitaw or string beans are a good source of calcium and phosphorous for strong bones and teeth.

It is also a good source of protein, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, iron, phosphorous, and potassium. It is also a very good source of vitamin C, folate, magnesium, and manganese.

Sitaw (Sitaw in English is string beans), is one of the most widely grown vegetables in the Philippines. It is a true legume and botanically more closely related to cowpea.

The tender pods are edible while the skin is still smooth and before the seeds mature or expand. The young leaves and stems can be boiled or steamed and eaten as green vegetables.

Per 100 grams of fresh weight, the green pods can provide 2 grams of protein, 8.2 grams of carbohydrates, and a substantial amount of calcium and other minerals. When boiled, the young leaves are a good source of protein and vitamin A.

It is grown throughout the year but the best time to plant is from May to June for wet season planting and from October to November for the dry season.

Some of the popular Filipino dishes using Sitaw as an ingredient are:

  • Adobong sitaw chicken
  • Ginisang sitaw with bagoong
  • Adobong sitaw with shrimp
  • Adobong sitaw with pork
  • Adobong sitaw at kangkong
  • Adobong sitaw with chicharon
  • Sitaw with oyster sauce
  • Bicol express with sitaw
  • Ginataang sitaw at kalabasa
  • Dinengdeng na sitaw