Store unwashed fresh beans in a perforated plastic bag and refrigerate. Whole beans stored this way will stay for a week. Consuming Haricot beans raw is not possible as they have a very hard exterior; however, cooking makes them edible and tasty. They have little flavour of their own but are capable of absorbing the aroma and flavours of added spices very easily. It is because of this reason that these beans are used in bean salads, vegetable soups, slow-cooked dishes, and other dishes, making them very popular in the market. Also used in many dishes with tomato sauce.