String Beans

The humble bush bean is easy to grow and a garden staple everywhere around the world. The term "green bean" doesn't refer to the color. It just means when the pod is harvested before the seed is mature. Our favorite filet variety (more slender) has a pretty purple colored flower and fruit. They turn green when cooked. Yellow colored beans are commonly called "wax beans," but all of these names (string beans, green beans, wax beans, and snap beans) are essentially the same plant. Look for lots of beans at the markets in July. There are so many simple ways to cook string beans. We love the classic French amandine recipe with butter toasted almonds and shallots.