There are plenty of moments in adult life where one might long for childhood. Grown-up life is peppered with bills and responsibilities, not enough sleep, and the carefree afternoons of youth are replaced with 3 p.m. lattes just to make it until dinner. There is, however, one magical thing that happens as you make your way into adulthood, and that is an appreciation for vegetables. The days of being grossed out by green things on your plate are in your rearview mirror, baby! It feels good, doesnt it?
Green beans are one of those foods that a kid will turn their nose up at, but as an adult, snapping the ends off, rinsing them and preparing to sauté, blanch or roast them has an air of sophistication to it. When you encounter green beans at the market, you might be curious to know if theres a difference between green beans and haricots vert — and there certainly is.
Haricot verts are the more refined version of green beans; they are thinner, longer and straighter and more refined in taste. Haricot verts get limp much faster than green beans because they are harvested younger; so eat them as fresh as possible.
It’s an issue of size
When it comes to green beans and haricots vert, the main difference is their size, notes The Kitchn. The French haricots vert — often thought of as more refined — are longer and more slender, a bit more fragile, while a green bean is stockier and more robust. The flavor of haricots vert is also a bit more delicate as they are harvested earlier than green beans, notes Nature and More. Haricots vert (often sold at markets and grocery stores as “French green beans”) are also straighter than a basic green bean and they tend to go limp much more quickly, so eating them fresh is important.
Haricots vert can be blanched, steamed, braised, or even stir-fried — and because they are so thin they dont require much cook time. Theyre done in just six minutes, while a basic green bean should be cooked for 12 (per Nature and More.) While Healthline explains that some people eat green beans raw because they are legumes, cooking them is safer. If youre wanting a colder, crunchy green bean in a salad or dish, consider blanching them and then shocking them in an ice bath. Both green beans and haricots vert are excellent sources of proteins, carbohydrates, and dietary fibers. According to Nature and More, they also contain B vitamins, vitamins C and K as well as minerals like magnesium, iron, and manganese . Theyre a delicious and nutritious addition to whate ver you put them in — or on.
Cooking Tips : How to Pick Haricot Vert (French Beans)
FAQ
What’s the difference between haricot verts and green beans?
What’s the difference between green beans and fine green beans?
What is a substitute for haricots verts?
Why are they called French style green beans?