Known as the “caviar of beans,” the Flageolet bean is a member of the Fabaraceae family and from the Phaseolus vulgaris genus. The heirloom variety (Chevrier Vert) is only available from a few select growers in the world. The flageolet shelling bean originated in France and continues to hold an esteemed place in traditional, country French cuisine. Flageolet bean varieties include multiple colors including yellow, black, red and white. The Flageolet shelled beans are also the plant's seeds. When left on the plant or harvested to dry these seeds can be stored for longer periods of time or kept to be sown for future crops.

Produced in an inedible pod, these beans should be shelled when pods are well filled, but still green. Flageolets are often considered an immature kidney bean, ranging in color from a creamy white to a pale celadon green. Once shelled, the beans are small in size, kidney-shaped, and about a half-inch in length. Flageolet shelling beans are creamy and firm in texture, boasting nutty, sweet and mellow tasting notes. There is a delicate flavor that some claim to be reminiscent of green soybean or Lima bean.

Serving Ideas

Flageolets can be consumed when fresh, semi-dry or dried stage. Fresh beans require very little cooking, and no pre-soaking is needed. Best prepared simmered on low heat for a short time, salting about halfway through cooking time. Cooking time varies, based upon how mature or tender the fresh beans are. Dried beans will need to soak before any form of preparation. Flageolets have traditionally been paired with lamb, poultry or seafood recipes. However, these beans can stand out on their own, whether in a salad or stew, in a classic Cassoulet recipe, or simply cooked with butter or olive oil.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

The arrival of fresh shelling beans at the market is celebrated in France, highlighting the bean’s long-standing influence on French culinary traditions.

Geography/History

A French grower, Gabriel Chevrier, first introduced the Flageolet bean at the International Paris Exposition in 1878. The bean quickly became adopted into the higher ranks of French restaurant culture, becoming associated with elegant cooking. The heirloom variety, Chevrier Vert, is considered an endangered heirloom variety. However, many modern cultivars have been developed, which has allowed an increase in production of the genus around the world. Flageolet shelling beans are best cultivated in arid and coastal Mediterranean climates.

Seasons/Availability

Fresh flageolet shelling beans are available summer to early fall. Dried Flageolets are available year round.