Round green beans have a mild, slightly sweet and earthy flavour. Freshly picked, young green beans are tender and sweet, a cherished flavour of summer and delicious eaten raw. 

An easy way to enjoy beans regularly is to blanch them, transforming fresh green beans into vibrant, crisp, partially cooked beans that are a handy ingredient to have on hand.  Add them to salads such as Nicoise salad, chickpea salad, pasta salad or potato salad; sandwiches, fried rice; eat with hummus or dip; or use as an ingredient in another dish, such as stir fries or frittata.  

Here’s how to do a quick blanch for the perfect bean: Rinse with water and cuts off the stem end. There’s no need to trim off the tails. Place the beans into a pot of boiling, salted water for 1-2 minutes. Immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water and cool for about 1-2 minutes. Drain the beans and lay them out to dry.