French Beans

Also known asHaricots Verts

Name: French beans, also called haricots verts or fine beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) — very slender, tender, bright green beans, thinner and more delicate than ordinary green beans, with a sweet, fresh flavour.

Description

French beans are a type of common bean, which was domesticated in Central and South America thousands of years ago and brought to Europe in the 16th century. The French developed slender, stringless, tender varieties, which are known as haricots verts. They are harvested young, before the seeds inside develop.

They are more expensive than ordinary green beans, because they are picked by hand and are fragile, but they are prized for their crisp, tender texture and quick cooking. They are a classic side dish in French and European cooking.

Main nutrition value

French beans provide vitamin K, vitamin C, folate, manganese and fibre, and are low in calories.

How best to be consumed

French beans cook in minutes, and are best slightly crisp.

1. Trim the stalk ends, and steam or boil for 3 to 5 minutes until bright green and just tender.
2. Toss with butter, almonds and lemon, or shallots and garlic.
3. Serve cold in salads, as in salade Nicoise, after plunging into ice water.
4. Stir-fry, roast or add to soups and stews at the end.
5. Do not eat them raw in quantity.

Overconsumption could cause…

French beans are safe and healthy in food amounts when cooked.

1. Digestive upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea) from raw or undercooked beans, which contain natural lectins that cooking destroys, so always cook beans thoroughly.
2. Bloating and gas from the fermentable carbohydrates in beans and peas, particularly if you are not used to eating them.
3. Possible effects on warfarin and similar blood-thinning medicines because of the vitamin K content, so keep intake steady.
4. Nutrient loss and a dull colour if overcooked.

GroupsPods, Beans and PeasLegume familyLow fatLow sodiumRich in vitamin KFresh

Related foodsGreen BeansSnow PeasSugar Snap PeasLong Beans / Yardlong BeansWax BeansGreen Peas

Wikipedia — Green bean, used for origin, naming and history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_bean