Green beans were first cultivated in Central and South America, and they were introduced to Europe by Christopher Columbus after his second trip across the Atlantic. The food is popular because it grows quickly in all types of soil and can be eaten raw or cooked. Through selective breeding and cultivation, the green bean family has expanded to over 500 cultivars. Green beans are loaded with nutrients such as vitamin A and fiber, but they're good for the soil as well, being in the legume family of nitrogen fixers.