Haricot beans are small dry white beans which are a staple in baked bean dishes along with soups and chillies. When people think of beans, some think of haricots, as they are rather ubiquitous. In addition to providing a source of food, beans are also nitrogen fixers, so they will enrich the soil that they are planted in.
There are numerous alternate names for haricot beans including Boston beans, navy beans, pearl haricots, and fagioli. The beans are roughly oval shaped and flattened, with a pure white edible skin. The flavour of haricot beans is relatively bland, although the beans are rich in protein, folate, iron, thiamine, and magnesium, so they are an excellent addition to a healthy diet. Vegetarians in particular use haricot beans extensively, and they can supplement and enrich an assortment of dishes.