French beans are small, slender, and straight to slightly curved pods, and have a cylindrical shape with tapered, pointed ends. The pods are semi-smooth and fleshy with a crisp, firm, and tender consistency.  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.

Health Benefits

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.

Usage

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. They 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. Locally 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. French beans pair well with herbs such as basil, thyme and parsley, aromatics including garlic, chives, and onions, carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, potatoes, walnuts, almonds, cheeses and meats including lamb, pork, and poultry.  

Storage

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.