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Haricot Verte (French Beans)

Fruit

Description
Tiny and tender, bright green French beans are smaller than common green beans and wear a soft velvety skin. Quite meaty for their size, their crisp texture offers a delicate sweet green flavor. Tender and not the least bit tough, the French bean retains the string from its original form. Strings have been bred out of most other green bean varieties.

Grow Region
California Mexico Guatamala

Storage Temperature
Ideal for gourmet cooking, young pods may be prepared whole. Toss hot cooked beans with fresh garlic, chopped onion and tomatoes. For a lively side dish with a spunky flavor punch, season steamed beans with prepared mustard; drizzle with a mild vinegar. Steam or microwave; top with butter. Season as desired. Add slivered almonds, peanuts, cashews or pecans for extra flavor and crunch. Add color and texture to casseroles, soups, stews and stir-fries. Rice and meat dishes love their tasty presence. Perk up pasta and tuna salads with raw chopped green beans. Use as edible garnish for savory entr�es. Rosemary, oregano, thyme, garlic and savory enhance their flavor. To prepare, rinse well; cut off ends. To store, rinse, but do not dry. Wrap in perforated plastic; refrigerate in crisper drawer. Use within ten days. For longer storage, blanch three minutes in boiling water; drain; pat dry; wrap; freeze up to one year, but why·

Availability

Seasons/Availability
French Beans are available year round with a peak season May to January.

Nutritional Facts

Containing about 30 calories per cup, this nutritious vegetable offers an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C and folate. Steaming is best to preserve nutrients. Eating five daily servings of vegetables and fruits lowers the chances of cancer. A recent study found that eating nine or ten daily servings of vegetables and fruits, combined with three servings of low-fat dairy products, were effective in lowering blood pressure.