Flageolet Beans: Discover the Health Benefits and Nutritional Power

by Joost Nusselder Updated:  November 14, 2022

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Flageolet beans are a great addition to any meal, but what are they?

Flageolet beans are a type of bean that originated in France. They’re mostly kidney-shaped and have a delicate flavor. They’re often used in French cuisine, especially in dishes like cassoulet and are most commonly boiled or simmered in a broth.

In this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about Flageolet beans, including their history, uses, and nutritional value. Plus, I’ll share some unknown Flageolet bean facts.

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What Are Flageolet Beans?

A Variety of Bean Originating in France

Flageolet beans are a type of kidney bean that are mainly cultivated in France. They are coveted by chefs and foodies alike for their delicate texture and mild flavor. Historians think that the beans originated in France, but they can now be found in many parts of the world.

Picked at Immature Maturity to Retain Firm Texture

Flageolet beans are harvested from their pods when they are still immature. This helps to maintain their firm texture, which is one of the reasons why they are so highly prized. Despite their dense texture, flageolet beans stay firm even when cooked, making them an excellent choice for a variety of dishes.

Available in a Number of Varieties

There are a number of different varieties of flageolet beans, each with its own unique characteristics. Some are grown primarily for their flavor, while others are associated with specific regions or cooking styles. Farmers and growers manage entire fields of flageolet beans to ensure that they ripen at the right time and in the right conditions.

Found Fresh in August, Packaged Year-Round

Fresh flageolet beans are typically available in August, but they can be packaged and found in grocery stores and specialty food shops year-round. Rancho Gordo is a popular source for high-quality flageolet beans, and they offer a number of different varieties to choose from.

A Classic Pairing for Vegetarian Dishes

Flageolet beans are an excellent source of protein and are often used in vegetarian dishes. They pair well with a variety of other ingredients, including mint, mixed vegetables, and drizzled sauces. They are also an excellent choice for dips and other appetizers.

Instructions for Preparing Flageolet Beans

To prepare flageolet beans, follow these simple instructions:

• Check the beans for any debris or damaged beans and rinse them in cold water.
• Place the beans in a large pot and cover them with water.
• Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer.
• Cook the beans for 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender.
• Drain the beans and use them in your favorite recipe.

Flageolet beans are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you love them in a classic French dish or as a vegetarian option, don’t let the opportunity to try them slip by.

Flageolet Bean Cultivation

Introduction

Flageolet beans are remarkable legumes that have gained popularity due to their attractive pale green color and unique flavor. These beans are smaller than most common beans and have a slightly dull feeling when touched. Flageolet beans are fairly rare and are considered a treat by many growers and consumers. In this section, we will explore the specific features of Flageolet bean cultivation, including planting, harvesting, and storage.

Planting and Growing Flageolet Beans

Flageolet beans are traditionally French and are famous for being an accompaniment to roasted leg of lamb. They are a specific purpose bean that is consumed both fresh and dried. Flageolet beans are produced by sowing the seeds in the ground during the ensuing growing period. The ideal time for planting is past the cool season, and the beans require a ratio of 1:2 (beans to water) for optimal growth.

Flageolet beans need a little attention, but they are not difficult to grow. They require a presoaking and precooking process to make them easily digestible for people. The beans are developed with anti-nutritional enzymes that are normally difficult to break down, but the thinner skin of Flageolet cultivars facilitates the process. Flageolet beans can easily be spoiled by infection and diseases such as anthracnose, so growers need to limit the number of non-resistant varieties they plant.

Harvesting and Storage

Flageolet beans are picked when the pods are slightly gray and closer to drying out. The peak harvest period is usually in the late summer months. The pods are pulled from the plant and hanged upside down in a shed to dry out. The beans are then removed from the pods and stored in a cool, dry place for later use.

Flageolet beans have a limited shelf life when stored in their fresh state, so they are often tinned or dried for later use. When dried, Flageolet beans can be stored for a longer period, and their flavor hardly diminishes. The dried beans can be consumed as they are or soaked in water overnight before cooking.

Root System and Longevity

Flageolet beans have a maximum height and spread of about 2 feet and occasionally require support to keep them upright. The root system of Flageolet beans is confined to the topsoil, with the roots reaching only slightly deeper than the surface. Flageolet beans have an ideal longevity period of about 2-3 years, and they grow best in cool climates.

Flageolet Beans Nutrition Facts

Origin and Variety

Flageolet beans are an heirloom variety of beans that were originally developed in France. They were first identified by a French grower named Zursun, near Paris. The unique trait of this bean is that it is smaller than a kidney bean and has an attractive, rare green color. The fresh seeds of the Flageolet beans are obtained by harvesting the pods in a short period. The botanical name of Flageolet beans is Phaseolus vulgaris, which is the common bean. The Flageolet beans are also known as Haricot Vert or Green Vert beans in French.

Nutritional Value

Flageolet beans contain a total of 110 calories per serving (1 cup). They are a good source of protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. Flageolet beans are also rich in vitamins and minerals such as iron, potassium, magnesium, and folate. They are low in fat and sodium, making them an excellent choice for those who want to support healthy bowel function and protect against heart disease and diabetes.

Cooking and Serving

Flageolet beans are a versatile bean that can be used in a variety of dishes. They are commonly used in French cuisine, but they can also be used in salads, soups, stews, and casseroles. Flageolet beans have a delicate flavor and a creamy texture, making them a great addition to any dish. They are best cooked by simmering them in water until they are tender. Flageolet beans can also be canned or frozen for later use.

Comparison to Other Beans

Flageolet beans are often compared to other beans such as Faba, Marisco, and the common à grain bean. Compared to these beans, Flageolet beans are lower in calories and fat, but higher in protein and fiber. They also have a unique green color and a delicate flavor that sets them apart from other beans.

Where to Buy

Flageolet beans can be found in specialty food stores or online. Zursun Idaho Heirloom Beans is a company that specializes in Flageolet beans and other heirloom beans. They offer a variety of Flageolet beans, including the traditional green Flageolet and the rare white Flageolet.

Cooking with Flageolet Beans

Pairing Flageolet Beans with Other Ingredients

Flageolet beans are known for their mild flavor and dense texture, which stays intact despite rough treatment. Here are some ideas for teaming flageolet beans with other ingredients:

• Let their vegetarian options slip by mixing them with other beans or topped with a drizzle of olive oil.
• Historians think that flageolet beans originated in the August region of France, so they are often associated with French cuisine.
• They owe a lot of their developing popularity to their excellent pairing with mint.
• Flageolet beans are definitely a source of inspiration for developing mixed dishes.
• They are excellent paired with a mirepoix and served as a side dish with poultry or seafood.

Flageolet Recipes

Grilled Flageolet Beans with Herbed Butter

Looking for a quick and easy BBQ recipe that will certainly impress your guests? Look no further than these grilled Flageolet beans seasoned with herbed butter. This recipe works well with a variety of beans, including cannellini, great northern, and borlotti, but Flageolet beans are the star of the show here.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Flageolet beans, rinsed and drained
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter and chopped mint.
3. Season the Flageolet beans with salt and pepper.
4. Grill the beans for 3-4 minutes on each side, until lightly charred and tender.
5. Remove the beans from the grill and top with the herbed butter. Drizzle with additional olive oil if desired.

Tomato and Flageolet Bean Salad

This herbed tomato and Flageolet bean salad is a great way to enjoy the mild, heirloom Flageolet beans. The dense texture of the beans stays intact despite a little rough treatment, making them a great option for mixed salads.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Flageolet beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté aromatic vegetables like onion, garlic, and celery in olive oil until tender.
2. Add the Flageolet beans and enough water to cover them by about 2 inches.
3. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cover with a lid to help regulate the temperature.
4. Cook the beans for 45-60 minutes, or until tender.
5. Drain the beans and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked Flageolet beans, cherry tomatoes, parsley, basil, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Flageolet Bean and Sausage Stew

This hearty Flageolet bean and sausage stew is a great way to enjoy the mild flavor of Flageolet beans. The beans are paired with grape tomatoes and a variety of herbs and spices for a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Flageolet beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 pound sausage, sliced
• 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the sliced sausage in olive oil until browned on all sides.
2. Add the Flageolet beans and enough water to cover them by about 2 inches.
3. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cover with a lid to help regulate the temperature.
4. Cook the beans for 45-60 minutes, or until tender.
5. Add the grape tomatoes, thyme, and rosemary to the pot and continue to cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Flageolet Bean Dips

Flageolet beans make a great base for dips and spreads. Try these two recipes for a delicious and healthy snack.

Herbed Flageolet Bean Dip

Ingredients:

• 1 can Flageolet beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. In a food processor, combine the Flageolet beans, parsley, chives, and olive oil.
2. Pulse until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Spicy Flageolet Bean Dip

Ingredients:

• 1 can Flageolet beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. In a food processor, combine the Flageolet beans, cilantro, jalapeño pepper, garlic, lime juice, and olive oil.
2. Pulse until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Don’t let the options slip by, try these Flageolet bean recipes today!

Where to Find Flageolet Beans

Online Delivery and Pickup Options

If you prefer to shop online, there are several options for purchasing flageolet beans:

Shopper Connect:

This personal shopping service allows you to connect with a personal shopper in your area who will track your progress, communicate with you every step of the way, and schedule fast dropoff or pickup times that fit your schedule. You can be sure to receive notifications via the app, keeping an eye on your text messages or phone calls, and even receive notifications when the shopper is leaving the store. This service is especially helpful if you’re not sure where to find flageolet beans in your local grocery store.

Curbside Pickup:

Many grocery stores now offer curbside pickup options, where you can place your order online and an employee will bring your groceries out to your designated pickup area. This breakdown club offers deliveries subject to change based on various factors, including stock availability and the types of items you’re purchasing (some stores may not allow orders containing alcohol to be picked up curbside, for example).

Delivery Services:

There are several delivery services that offer flageolet beans, including Instacart and Amazon Fresh. Pricing and stock availability may vary depending on your location and the time of day or week you place your order.

Physical Stores

If you prefer to shop in person, you can find flageolet beans at many grocery stores and specialty food stores. Some options include:

Whole Foods:

This grocery chain typically carries flageolet beans in their bulk section, allowing you to purchase as much or as little as you need.

Trader Joe’s:

This popular grocery chain also carries flageolet beans, typically at a lower price point than other stores.

Specialty Food Stores:

If you have a local specialty food store in your area, they may carry flageolet beans as well. These stores often offer a wider variety of options and may be able to provide more information on the specific type of flageolet bean they are selling.

Storage

How to Store Flageolet Beans

Flageolet beans can be stored for a long time if you take care of them properly. Here are some tips for storing flageolet beans:

• Keep them in a cool, dry place: Flageolet beans will last longer if they are stored in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or a shelf in your kitchen. Avoid storing them in a place that gets too hot or humid, as this can cause them to spoil more quickly.

• Freeze them: If you have a large quantity of flageolet beans and you know you won’t be able to use them all before they go bad, consider freezing them. Cooked flageolet beans can be frozen for up to six months. To freeze them, let them cool to room temperature, then place them in smaller increments in freezer bags. When you’re ready to use them, defrost them in the fridge overnight for better texture and to retain their flavor.

• Store them in the fridge: If you have cooked flageolet beans that you want to use in a meal prep recipe, you can store them in the fridge for up to five days. Make sure they are in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.

Health Benefits of Flageolet Beans

Loaded with Nutrients

Flageolet beans are a wholesome food that carries a high nutritional value. They are loaded with complex carbohydrates, proteins, and fibers that fulfill the recommended daily allowance of these nutrients. They also carry essential vitamins and minerals like zinc, thiamin, pantothenic acid, and folates that are required for DNA synthesis and adequate growth and development of the body.

Weight Management

Flageolet beans are a preferred alternative for weight management. They are small, low in fat, and carry a low glycemic index that facilitates quick digestion and elimination of toxic substances from the gut. They are also a good source of bulk and act as a natural laxative that binds chemicals and prevents their reabsorption in the body. This protects the gut mucosa and prevents the development of toxic substances in the body.

Cholesterol Control

Flageolet beans are rich in soluble fibers that block the reabsorption of bile acids in the gut. This prevents the formation of LDL cholesterol and facilitates its elimination from the body. Regular consumption of flageolet beans can help in reducing the risk of heart diseases and other cholesterol-related disorders.

Electrolyte Balance

Flageolet beans are a rich source of potassium and magnesium that counter the pressing effects of sodium in the body. The American Heart Association recommends eating at least 3 cups of beans per week to meet the weekly need for these electrolytes. Flageolet beans are a wonderful and popular food in France and are available to cook and grow in the USA.

Celiac Disease

Flageolet beans are one of the finest alternatives for people with celiac disease. They are naturally gluten-free and can be consumed raw, green, or after presoaking and precooking. They are easily digested and carry a low glycemic index that prevents the development of gluten-related disorders.

As a master herbalist, I recommend the regular consumption of flageolet beans for their incredible health benefits. This article was submitted and published to educate people about the wonderful properties of flageolet beans. Follow these guidelines and enjoy the wholesome goodness of flageolet beans in your regular diet.

Differences

Flageolet Beans Vs Cannellini

Alright folks, let’s talk about the difference between flageolet beans and cannellini beans. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Beans are beans, what’s the big deal?” Well, let me tell you, there are some major differences between these two legumes.

First off, let’s talk about flavor. Flageolet beans have a nutty taste and a creamy texture, while cannellini beans have a delicate flavor and a slightly buttery texture. So, if you’re looking for a bean that will add a little extra oomph to your dish, go for the flageolet. But if you want a bean that will complement your other ingredients without stealing the show, cannellini is your go-to.

Now, let’s talk about availability. Flageolet beans are a little harder to come by than cannellini beans. You might have to do some hunting to find them at your local grocery store. But don’t worry, cannellini beans are widely available and can be found at almost any supermarket.

But here’s the thing, just because cannellini beans are more readily available doesn’t mean they’re the better choice. Flageolet beans have a unique ability to soak up flavorful sauces and broths, making them a truly special addition to any dish.

So, there you have it folks, the difference between flageolet beans and cannellini beans. Choose wisely, and remember, when it comes to beans, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution.

Conclusion

So there you have it – everything you need to know about Flageolet beans.

They’re a great source of protein, and you can use them in a variety of dishes. Plus, they’re pretty easy to cook, so why not give them a try?

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Bitemybun's family recipes with complete meal planner and recipe guide.

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Joost Nusselder, the founder of Bite My Bun is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with Japanese food at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.