Green Beans and How to Cook Them

There are many varieties and sizes of green beans, which are known as haricots verts in the catering industry. The most popular type served in restaurants is the extra-fine French bean, which is considered to be a first-class vegetable. The beauty of cooking this bean is the minimum preparation needed; it simply needs topping and tailing, although I prefer to leave the spiky, pointed end attached for better visual presentation.