




French Beans
Inventory, 10 lbs : 30.99
This item was last sold on : 03/31/23
Description/Taste
French beans are small, slender, and straight to slightly curved pods, averaging 7 to 10 centimeters in length, and have a cylindrical shape with tapered, pointed ends. The pods are semi-smooth and fleshy with a crisp, firm, and tender consistency. Depending on the variety, the pods can also be found in dark green, purple, and cream-colored hues. Underneath the surface, each pod contains several tiny seeds that are tightly encased in the center, extending the length of the pod. The seeds are vibrant green and are semi-starchy and soft in texture. French beans have a faint grassy aroma and are sweet, vegetal, and subtly earthy with fresh green nuances.
Seasons/Availability
French beans are generally available in the late spring through fall. In milder climates, the beans can be grown year-round.
Current Facts
French beans, botanically classified as Phaseolus vulgaris, are a tender, flavorful type of bean belonging to the Fabaceae family. Many different bean cultivars are generally categorized under French beans, and varieties can be of the pole or bush types, found in varying colors. French beans are also known as Filet beans, French Green Beans, Fine Beans, Haricots Verts Filets Extra-Fins, and Haricots Verts, and are specifically bred for their pods rather than their seeds. The beans are typically hand-harvested from plants and are picked early to ensure a tender texture and a rich flavor. Chefs utilize French beans primarily in their fresh state, and the beans are rarely grown for processing and canning. When lightly cooked, French beans provide earthy, sweet, and vegetal flavors, and they are a popular supporting side to rich, savory main dishes.
Nutritional Value
French beans are a good source of vitamin C to strengthen the immune system, vitamin K to assist in faster wound healing, fiber to regulate the digestive tract, and copper to build connective tissue. The beans are also a source of vitamin A to maintain healthy organ functioning, calcium to protect bones and teeth, potassium to balance fluid levels, and other amounts of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamins B1 and B2.
Applications
French beans have a grassy, vegetal flavor well suited for lightly cooked preparations. The beans cook quickly due to their slender nature and can be sauteed, blanched, boiled, roasted, or stir-fried. French beans can be prepared whole, sliced, or chopped and are popularly tossed into stews, soups, and curries. The beans can also be mixed into casseroles, vegetable side dishes, fresh salads, or served as an accompaniment to roasted meats. In India, French beans are a staple ingredient in everyday cooking and are frequently utilized in vegetable makhanwala, a comforting curry dish made with cooked vegetables in a butter and cream-based sauce. The beans are also incorporated into French bean foogath, a dish comprised of lentils and beans, served with dal or rice, and French bean sabzi, finely chopped beans coated in spices or a rich gravy. Beyond cooked preparations, French beans can be pickled for extended use as a tangy, fermented condiment or snack. French beans pair well with herbs such as basil, thyme, parsley, and tarragon, aromatics including shallots, garlic, chives, and onions, carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, potatoes, walnuts, almonds, cheeses such as feta and parmesan, and meats including lamb, pork, and poultry. Whole, unwashed French beans have a short shelf life and should be consumed immediately for the best quality and flavor. The beans can also be kept in a sealed container in the coldest part of the refrigerator for up to four days.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
French beans are known as Haricots Verts in France, simply translating to mean “green bean.” The slender beans have historically been utilized throughout French cooking as the beans are grown locally and harvested to add a fresh burst of green and vegetal flavors to dishes. French chefs favor Haricots Verts as a savory side dish, but the beans have also gained a reputation for being one of the heavily disputed ingredients in the Niçoise Salad. The simple, fresh dish was first created in the coastal town of Nice in France in the 19th century and was often regarded as a food for poor people, comprised of tomatoes, anchovies, and olive oil. Over time, the salad became a favorite summer dish in Nice, and chefs began making variations, adding fresh or lightly cooked vegetables for flavor and texture. Niçoise Salads gained international recognition in the early 20th century, spreading throughout Europe and to the United States, and with increasing fame came a broader debate among traditionalist chefs about the ingredients that should be used in the salad. Potatoes and French beans are the two most heavily debated ingredients, and chefs like Julia Child supported the use of French beans. In the modern-day, Niçoise salads can also be comprised of hard-boiled eggs, tuna, lettuce, olives, and other fresh vegetables.
Geography/History
French beans are descendants of beans native to Central and South America, where they have been cultivated as a food source for thousands of years. The beans remained localized to indigenous American populations until the arrival of Spanish and Portuguese explorers in the 16th century. French beans were brought back to Europe and Africa through the conquistadors, and over time, the beans became a widely planted crop, especially in France. French beans were named Haricot Verts in the late 19th century, and the first string-less bean was developed in New York State by Calvin Keeney in 1894, also leading to stringless French bean varieties. Today French beans are cultivated worldwide and are a common vegetable found through local markets, distributors, grocers, and supermarkets.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
Bleu Boheme | San Diego CA | 619-255-4167 |
The Santaluz Club Inc - Main Dining | San Diego CA | 858-759-3150 |
One Door North | San Diego CA | 858-232-4220 |
Wolf In the Woods | San Diego CA | 619-851-7275 |
Little Lion | San Diego CA | 619-519-4079 |
KI's | Encinitas CA | 760-586-8289 |
Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters | La Jolla CA | 858-228-5655 |
Kingfisher | San Diego CA | 619-861-8074 |
Fleming's Steakhouse La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-535-0078 |
PFC Fitness Camp | Carlsbad CA | 888-488-8936 |
Firefly Beach | San Diego CA | 619-222-6440 |
US Grant Hotel Main | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
Half Door Brewing | San Diego CA | 619-655-7459 |
Crown Point Catering | San Diego CA | 619-223-1211 |
Giaola | Carlsbad CA | 858-266-9303 |
Carte Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-365-1858 |
Tom Hams Light House | San Diego CA | 619-291-9110 |
Barleymash | San Diego CA | 619-276-6700 x304 |
The Prado at Balboa Park Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-744-3732 |
Orfila Vineyards & Winery | Oceanside CA | 760-738-6500 |
Bahia Resort Hotel | San Diego CA | 858-488-0551 |
Alila Marea Beach Resort | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
Trattoria I Trulli | Encinitas CA | 760-277-9826 |
Estancia Adobe | San Diego CA | 858-550-1000 |
Il Sogno Italiano | San Diego CA | 619-380-2652 |
Hilton Mission Valley | San Diego CA | 619-543-9000 |
Spirit of Adventure Sportfishing | San Diego CA | 619-454-9711 |
Park Commons - ARE | San Diego CA | 619-295-3172 |
Born & Raised | San Diego CA | 619-944-1631 |
Chateau La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-459-4451 |
Urban Kitchen Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 |
Belmont Park Entertainment | San Diego CA | 858-228-9283 |
Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-6063 |
Nick & G's Restaurant | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-771-1871 |
Cal A Vie | Vista CA | 760-945-2055 |
Secret Sister | San Diego CA | 619-281-0718 |
The Corner Drafthouse | San Diego CA | 619-255-2631 |
Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
Hotel La Jolla & CUSP -CLK | La Jolla CA | 858-459-0261 |
Humphery's | San Diego CA | 619-224-3577 |
AToN Center Inc. | Encinitas CA | 858-759-5017 |
Coast Catering | Escondido CA | 619-295-3173 |
Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
The Bier Garden | Encinitas CA | 760-632-2437 |
Ridgeview Health Center | San Diego CA | 858-293-3950 |
Golden Door | San Marcos CA | 760-761-4142 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include French Beans. One

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Mercato del Capo
Near Palermo, Palermo, ItalyVia Cappuccinelle, ., 90138 Palermo PA About 43 days ago, 2/18/23 ![]() About 102 days ago, 12/20/22 Sharer's comments : buncis ![]() ![]()
Yasukochi Family Farm
Near Poway, California, United StatesOceanside, CA About 126 days ago, 11/26/22 ![]() ![]()
Valdivia farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesCarlsbad About 129 days ago, 11/23/22 ![]() ![]()
Antonio & Guillermo Farm
Near Fairbanks Ranch, California, United StatesRiverside, CA 951-454-6476 About 468 days ago, 12/19/21 ![]() ![]()
Valdivia Farms
Near Del Mar, California, United StatesCarlsbad, CA About 511 days ago, 11/06/21 ![]() ![]()
Valdivia Farms
Near 4S Ranch Pkwy S & Rancho Bernardo Rd, California, United StatesCarlsbad, CA About 526 days ago, 10/22/21 ![]() ![]()
Zanjó Farm
Near San Diego, California, United StatesEl Cajon, CA About 546 days ago, 10/02/21 ![]() About 574 days ago, 9/04/21 ![]() ![]() About 591 days ago, 8/18/21 |