Are French Beans the Same Thing as Green Beans?

If you’ve perused the produce section of your grocery store or browsed the offerings at a local farmer’s market, you may have come across two types of long, slender green beans—standard green beans and French green beans, also called haricots verts

With their similar appearance. green hue and name containing “green beans” it’s only natural to wonder—are French beans the same thing as regular green beans? Or are they somehow different?

While French beans and common green beans share some key characteristics and can be used interchangeably in many recipes, there are a few differences when it comes to how they are grown, harvested, and prepared.

Below, I’ll explain exactly what sets French beans apart from regular green beans and when you may want to choose one over the other. I’ll also share some easy ways to cook both types of beans to highlight their best qualities.

An Overview of Green Beans

First, let’s start with a quick recap on basic green beans. Also known by names like string beans or snap beans, green beans belong to the same plant species as kidney beans and pinto beans. However, they are harvested and eaten in the unripe stage before the beans fully mature and dry.

Some of the most common varieties of green beans include:

• Blue Lake – The most widely available; medium length and width
• Contender – Slender and nearly stringless when harvested young
• Roma – A flat Italian heirloom variety with hearty flavor

Green beans are a warm-season crop, grown in temperate regions and needing plenty of sunlight and fertile soil. Home gardeners typically plant beans from seeds in spring or early summer for a summer harvest.

When preparing common green beans, the ends are trimmed and any strings removed before cooking. Popular cooking methods include steaming, sautéing, roasting, or adding to simmered dishes like soups and stews. Their firm texture holds up well to longer cooking times if desired.

Now let’s look at how French green beans compare.

What are French Green Beans?

French green beans, also called haricots verts, are definitely still a type of green bean. However, there are some key differences that set them apart from standard varieties:

• Thinner shape – Haricots verts are long, very slender beans whereas most green beans are wider.

• Smaller size – On average, haricots verts are smaller in length and diameter. A typical haricot vert is 3 to 4 inches long.

• More delicate texture – The thinner shape and smaller size result in a more delicate, tender bean.

• Mild, sweet flavor – Their flavor is widely described as milder and sweeter tasting than most green beans.

• Earlier harvest – French beans are picked when still young and slender, just 4-6 inches long. Green beans are harvested when more mature.

Like other green beans, haricots verts belong to the same common bean plant species. However, plant breeders have selectively grown haricot vert varieties that exhibit those slender characteristics. Popular varieties include ‘Fine French’ and ‘Nickel’.

When preparing haricots verts, take care not to overcook them. Their delicate texture calls for brief cooking times of just 2-4 minutes in simmering water, hot oil or on the grill.

Now that you know the key differences between standard green beans and French haricots verts, let’s explore when to choose one over the other.

When to Choose French Beans vs. Green Beans

Green beans and French beans can generally be used interchangeably in recipes, but there are certain situations where one variety may be better suited than the other:

Choose French beans when you want:

• A more delicate, tender texture – perfect for sautéing or eating raw
• Sweeter, more mellow bean flavor
• Visually appealing slender shape for dish presentation
• To highlight the beans’ flavor without heaviness from cooking

Choose regular green beans when you want:

• A firmer, crunchier texture to hold up in casseroles or soups
• Rich green bean flavor that intensifies when cooked
• Ability to cook or can beans for longer periods without overcooking
• More volume and fuller appearance from wider beans
• Budget-friendly option for everyday meals

Neither variety is necessarily “better” – they each shine in different scenarios based on their unique qualities. French beans lend delicate flavor and texture, while standard green beans are heartier.

Now let’s go over some easy ways to cook both kinds of beans to highlight their attributes.

Cooking Methods for Green Beans and French Beans

Both green beans and French beans are extremely versatile veggies that pair well with all types of seasonings and ingredients. Here are some recommended cooking methods:

For green beans:

• Roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes with olive oil, salt, and garlic
• Sauté over medium-high heat for 8-12 minutes with butter or olive oil
• Simmer in soups, stews, and braised meat dishes for 10-15 minutes
• Pickle raw green beans in vinegars, salt and spices

For French beans:

• Sauté over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes with olive oil, garlic, and herbs
• Grill lightly brushed with oil for 4-6 minutes, flipping once
• Steam for 2-4 minutes just until tender-crisp
• Enjoy them raw in salads, with dip, or fresh veggie trays

No matter which type of green bean you choose, proper cooking is key to enjoying their crisp-tender texture and fresh flavor. Avoid overcooking French beans. Season simply to let their sweet bean essence shine through.