Filet Bean

Source: [1]

Common Names: Haricot Vert, French filet, French bean [1]

Filet beans are straight and tender beans, thinner and relatively shorter than other beans [1]. They are dark green pods streaked with purple [1]. They are not just an ordinary snap picked while still immature, and generally not considered a separate species [1].

Years grown at UBC Farm/LFSOG: about 10 years, on/off

Growing conditions

Filet beans are easy to grow; they yield early and need no support. They reach their flavour peak at 5-7” long and a mere 3/8” wide [1].

It is best when it grows under the sun, but a sheltered site is preferred to protect from cold winds [3].

Filet beans are ideal companions for lettuce, beetroot and other low growing vegetables which appreciate some shade in midday heat (in case of pole beans) [3].

Fertile soil and regular moisture are important. During growing season, water 30-45 minutes per day for soil to be moist but not soggy (adjust watering to suit the climate conditions) [4].

Temperature should be at about 60°F [4].

The plant produces heavily [1]. Yield varies with weather conditions but typically first harvest is scanty, second week is heavy, and then harvest decreases in the third week.

Seasonality

Filet beans are usualy available in the summer [4].

The first crop is usually sown in April to June and yields about 50 to 80 days later, around mid July to mid October [3][4]. Make sure to allow 10 days to two weeks between plantings

It is recommended that the last planting takes place 80 days before the last frost-free date [4].

Filet beans need 70 to 80 days of moderate temperature (night below 40°F and daytime about 70°F to 90°F). It has no toleration for frost, tending to brown like basil at about 38°F.

Nutritional Information

Nutrition Facts/Valeur Nutritive
Serving Size: 100g
Amount Per Serving	%Daily Value*
Calories 343
Total Fat 2.02g	2%
Saturated Fat 0g	0%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 18mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 18g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.2g	10%
Sugars 0g
Protein 18.9g
Vitamine A	0%
Vitamine C	8%
Calcium	2%
Iron	24%
* % Daily value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Information based on USDA What's In The Foods You Eat Search Tool[5]

-see additional note

Recipes

Soup

French Bean Soup from GardenAction

A soup of french (filet) beans, mixed veggie and herb

Dish

French Bean Stir Fry Enjoy it hot!

Additional usage inventory

coming soon...

Academic connections

coming soon...

References

1. Filet Bean French Filet. (2010) Burpee. Retrieved from http://www.burpee.com/product/id/100292.do

2. French Beans Nutrition Facts. (2010) Health Garden. Retrieved from http://www.health-garden.com/french-beans.html

3. Growing French Beans. (2010) Garden Action. Retrieved from http://www.gardenaction.co.uk/fruit_veg_diary/fruit_veg_mini_project_may_1_french_bean.asp

4. How to Grow Fine, Tender Filet Beans. (2010) Vegetable Gardener. Retrieved from http://www.vegetablegardener.com/item/5627/how-to-grow-fine-tender-filet-beans

5. United States Department of Agriculture. (2010) Product and Services. Retrieved from http://www.ars.usda.gov/Services/docs.htm?docid=17032

Additional Note

*The nutrition information for filet beans is obtained from USDA since Canadian Nutrient File does not provide it. Daily % value calculated according to standard set by CFIA.