Selection and Storage

• French beans are readily available at produce markets and most supermarkets. Look for smooth, firm, bright-colored beans, and avoid those with bruises or soft spots. French beans should be crisp enough to snap when bent. You can also purchase frozen French beans, often labeled by their French name -- haricot vert. If you aren't ready to roast fresh beans, place them in a plastic bag and store them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, where they keep for three to five days.

Preparing for Roasting

• Wash French beans thoroughly when you're ready to use them. Don't wash the beans if you intend to store them in the refrigerator, because damp beans don't last as long. Just before roasting, trim both ends of the beans with a sharp paring knife or pinch the ends off with your fingers. Although you can cut them into smaller lengths, French beans are usually roasted whole.

Select Your Seasonings

• You can make simple roasted French beans with nothing more than a splash of olive oil and a dash of salt, or you can add a variety of seasonings and extras. For example, French beans pair well with minced garlic, chopped scallions, chopped walnuts, pine nuts or strips of red bell peppers. The flavor of the beans is enhanced by seasonings such as rosemary, sage, thyme or freshly ground black pepper.

Slow-Roasting for Flavor

• Place the olive oil and seasonings in a large bowl, and then stir in the beans and any additional vegetables or other add-ins. Spread the beans in a large roasting pan, and roast them at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 1 hour, or until they are wilted and slightly brown around the edges. Watch the beans closely near the end of the cooking time and stir them more often, if necessary, to promote even cooking and prevent scorching.

Serving French Beans

• Serve roasted French beans hot from the oven, or let the beans cool and add them to salads. If you like, you can toss the beans with a vinaigrette consisting of ingredients such as vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper and a bit of sugar. You can instead dress the beans with a small amount of freshly squeezed lemon juice and olive oil or a dollop of mayonnaise. Sprinkle the beans with grated Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired.