What Are The Thin Green Beans Called?

If you’ve browsed the produce section lately, you may have noticed some slender, delicate-looking green beans that seem different from the standard varieties So what are these thin green beans called? They go by a few different names, but these skinny beans are commonly known as haricots verts.

Haricots verts translate to “green beans” in French. They originate from France and remain very popular in French cuisine. Compared to regular green beans, haricots verts have some unique characteristics that set them apart.

Identifying Features of Haricots Verts

Haricots verts stand out from other green beans in a few ways:

• Long and very slender shape – They look like a mini version of standard green beans.

• Thin diameter – About 2-3 mm wide or thinner. Much narrower than regular green beans.

• Tender texture – The slender pods have a delicate, crisp bite.

• Mild, sweet flavor – Subtly nutty and grassy notes come through.

• Bright green color – Vibrant green skin that cooks to a deep emerald hue,

• Small seeds – The seeds inside the pod are small and less prominent.

• Quick cooking time – They cook faster than fatter beans, usually under 5 minutes.

The slender shape, dainty crunch, and sweet taste set haricots verts apart from the usual green bean varieties seen in the grocery store. They provide a delicate bean experience different from their stouter counterparts.

Other Names for Haricots Verts

In addition to the classic French name, haricots verts may also be called:

• Filet beans
• French green beans
• French beans
• Pencil beans
• Long beans

These nicknames all refer to the same long, skinny green bean prized for its tender and almost squeaky crisp texture when eaten raw or cooked. Don’t let the different names confuse you – they all mean the same elegant bean.

Popular Uses for Haricots Verts

The delicate taste and texture of haricots verts lend themselves well to certain cooking methods and dishes:

• Salads – Their slender shape makes a pretty garnish for green salads.

• Light steaming or blanching – Quick cooking preserves their bright color.

• Sautéing – A brief sauté in olive oil or butter maintains their crispness.

• Roasting – Toss with oil and roast at a high temp for caramelized flavor.

• Stir fries – A brief stir fry on high heat avoids overcooking.

• Dips – Great for scooping up hummus, ranch dressing, etc.

• Side dishes – Serve plain, seasoned, or topped with sauces.

• Meals – Add to pastas, fish, chicken, and more.

Haricots verts shine thanks to their delicate crunch and sweetness. Highlight those qualities by avoiding overcooking these petite beans.

Are Haricots Verts Just Baby Green Beans?

Some people mistake haricots verts for being young, unripe regular green beans. But they’re actually a distinct variety that stays slender even when fully mature.

When young, regular green beans do look very thin and similar to haricots verts. But those beans will continue enlarging as they mature. Haricots verts maintain their signature slim, elegant shape through maturity.

So while the look may be close at times, haricots verts are their own variety separate from standard green beans plucked early. No matter their age, haricot verts will keep their petite figure that gives them such a coveted crunch.

How Are Haricots Verts Grown?

To achieve their delicate thinness, haricots verts are grown and harvested differently than bushy green beans:

• Selected seed varieties – Specialized seeds produce long, narrow pods.

• Closer planting – Growing seedlings closer together inhibits widening.

• Frequent harvesting – Frequent picking encourages growth of slender beans.

• Picking before bulking – Harvesting while still pencil-thin prevents fattening.

• Handpicking – Handpicking ensures only small beans are collected.

It takes careful cultivating for haricots verts to reach their skinny potential. But the extra effort yields an ultra-slim bean perfect for highlighting in recipes.

What’s the Difference Between Haricots Verts and Regular Green Beans?

Haricots verts differ from regular green beans in a few key ways:

• Shape – Much longer and narrower than standard beans.

• Texture – More tender, delicate, and squeaky when eaten raw.

• Flavor – Subtly sweeter and less grassy tasting.

• Size – Skinnier pods and seeds.

• Cooking time – Cooks faster with less time needed to become tender.

• Origin – Hails from France rather than the Americas.

The elegant appearance, dainty crunch, and sweeter essence set haricots verts apart from their conventional green bean cousins.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you prepare haricots verts?

The best cooking methods for haricots verts are quick options like steaming, blanching, sautéing, or stir-frying for 2-5 minutes. Roasting at high heat also works well. Avoid boiling or stewing them to preserve texture.

Can you eat haricots verts raw?

Absolutely! The slender beans have a very pleasant, squeaky crunch when enjoyed raw. Their mild sweetness makes them great for dipping in sauces or adding to salads.

Do haricots verts taste different than green beans?

Yes, haricots verts have a sweeter, more delicate flavor compared to most green beans. They lack the grassy bitterness some green beans have.

Are haricots verts healthy?

Like most beans and legumes, haricots verts pack fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Their nutrients are comparable to regular green beans. Enjoy them as part of an overall healthy diet.

Can you substitute haricots verts for green beans?

In most recipes, haricots verts can directly replace standard green beans, though cook times may be slightly shorter. Their delicate texture also works better in some dishes than firmer beans.

The Takeaway on Haricots Verts

With their French roots, elongated shape, tender crunch, and sweet essence, haricots verts offer a refined green bean experience unlike hearty American varieties. Seek them out for their pretty presentation and sophisticated taste that lends elegance to any plate. They may cost a bit more than regular beans, but their delicate flavor and texture are worth splurging on.