French beans, or Haricot Vert, are slim and more tender than regular size green beans. French beans have become increasingly popular with shoppers looking for tastier, more nutritious way to put healthy vegetables on their family’s plates. French beans are not really French at all, but a New World food cultivated in ancient Mexico and Guatemala centuries ago. Today Pure Fresh grows the finest variety of French beans on its model farms in Guatemala and Mexico. Because of the favorable climate in Guatemala, Pure Fresh is able to provide delicious French beans year round, with peak season from October through May.
Delicate Pure Fresh French beans are harvested and processed the same day. Sorted for quality, washed, and trimmed, the bright green beans are sold ready-to-cook microvaweable bags in supermarkets and club stores through the US and Canada.
Pure Fresh French beans are low in calories, high in dietary fiber, and rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Containing the important carotenoid zeaxanthin, French beans are good for eye health. Consuming French beans is also good for reducing blood cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and inflammation, and for controlling blood sugar.
Pure Fresh French beans can be stored in the refrigerator for several days without damage. Leave them in the Pure Fresh package. Although the beans have already been washed, it is always recommended that soak or wash the beans again, do so only when ready to use.
Soak your Pure Fresh French beans in water to revive and plump the beans before cooking.
The best method is steaming or boiling for a few minutes just until the beans are bright green and still slightly crisp. Blanch the beans in boiling water for just a minute, then plunge in ice-water to stop the cooking. (You don’t want to cook them!) Drain thoroughly, dry, place in airtight containers and freeze.
Pure Fresh French beans can also be frozen until ready to use.
Pure Fresh French beans are delicious when lightly cooked and simply served with a sprinkling of olive oil and salt and pepper. French beans are also well paired with toasted slivered almonds, or with cubes of cooked bacon or salt pork, or with Roquefort cheese. Herbs like tarragon, parsley, or basil are a wonderful addition to sautéed French beans, as is garlic, mustard, and vinegar. Mix cooked, cooled French beans with fresh sliced tomatoes or boiled potatoes for a refreshing French-style salad. Pure Fresh French beans are a great addition to any kind of salad.
