What’s the Difference Between Haricots Verts and Green Beans?
Although you might associate green beans with classic green bean casserole during Thanksgiving, the sturdy green vegetable is a great go-to side dish anytime of the year. When you’re at the store, however, and shopping for your typical green beans (also sometimes called “string beans”), you might run into haricots verts. You’ll soon realize that green beans and haricots verts look extremely similar, but aren’t quite the same. There are a few subtle characteristics that set haricots verts and green beans apart.
What Are Haricots Verts?
Haricots verts is pronounced ah-ree-koh vehrs and is French for green beans. Upon first glance, they look like any other type of green bean you’d regularly buy at the grocery store. They’re also often prepared in the same way as regular green beans: Either blanched or roasted and served as a side dish. Haricots verts are sometimes referred to simply as “French green beans.”
What Is the Difference Between Haricots Verts and Green Beans?
Although haricots verts and common green beans may appear very similar, they differ slightly in size, shape, and taste. Haricots verts are more narrow and lengthier than the more familiar green beans Americans usually eat. The common green bean is usually shorter and thicker than haricots verts. Many people often describe the taste of haricots verts as more “vegetal” or “fresh” tasting compared to the common green bean. Haricots verts are usually harvested starting in the summer into fall.