Green bean

Haricot vert

What it is

Every bean in Europe arrived from the Americas after 1492, and for two centuries the pods were eaten only when the string was pulled off first. A single American breeder eliminated that string in 1894, and the vegetable people eat today is his.

In the kitchen

Salt the cooking water heavily and refresh in ice. Both steps are about colour — the green sets and stays set.

Goes with

Shallot Butter Almond Garlic Lemon Savory Olive oil Hazelnut

Same species

Ayocote bean Black bean Borlotti bean Cannellini bean Coco de Paimpol Faba asturiana

Also used with

Pochas XO sauce Bomba rice

In season alongside

Pak choi Bell pepper Cévennes sweet onion Chioggia beetroot Cucumber Broad bean

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