With green beans, the whole trade runs on one measurement: pod width. A slender extra-fine haricot vert and a chunky bobby bean are the same crop graded differently, and that grade decides the market and the price. This guide breaks down the Egyptian green bean types — by width and shape — and how to match them to your buyers.

Quick answer: Egyptian green beans are graded by pod width into extra-fine (under ~6 mm, the premium haricot vert), fine (~6–9 mm) and bobby (round, ~9 mm+). Flat (helda / romano) and yellow (wax) beans serve specialty markets. Extra-fine and fine beans command the highest prices in UK and EU retail; bobby beans suit foodservice and processing.

Egyptian green bean types at a glance

TypePod width (approx.)Best for
Extra-fine (haricot vert)Under ~6 mmPremium UK/EU retail; the highest value
Fine~6–9 mmPremium retail & foodservice
Bobby (round)~9 mm+Foodservice, processing, value retail
Flat (helda / romano)Flat podSpecialty / selected markets
Yellow (wax)Round / flat, yellowSpecialty markets

Extra-fine and fine beans (haricots verts)

The premium segment. Extra-fine beans — slender, under about 6 mm wide — are the classic haricot vert sold in UK and EU supermarkets, often topped-and-tailed in retail punnets. Fine beans (6–9 mm) follow closely. Both demand careful hand-picking and grading, and they carry the highest prices, which is exactly where Egypt’s winter supply is most valuable.

Bobby beans

Bobby beans are the larger, rounder green beans (about 9 mm and up). They are quicker to pick and grade and suit foodservice, processing and value retail, where size and price matter more than the slender premium look.

Flat and yellow beans

Flat beans (helda / romano) have a broad, flat pod and serve specialty and selected markets, while yellow (wax) beans add colour variety for niche demand. These are smaller segments alongside the round-bean mainstream.

Why width grading matters

Grading by width is what makes a green bean program work: retail buyers specify a tight width band (e.g. extra-fine) for a uniform, premium pack, while foodservice may accept a broader grade at a lower price. Consistent grading is the difference between a clean, claim-free shipment and a rejected one.

Choosing the right type for your market

For premium UK/EU retail, specify extra-fine or fine beans, usually topped-and-tailed. For foodservice or processing, bobby beans offer better value. Confirm the width band, length, preparation (whole vs trimmed) and pack with your supplier against your destination.

Frequently asked questions

What is a haricot vert?

The French term for a slender extra-fine/fine green bean – the premium type, typically under about 9 mm wide.

What is the difference between fine and bobby beans?

Width: fine beans are slender (up to ~9 mm) and premium; bobby beans are rounder and larger (~9 mm+) and suit foodservice and processing.

Which type is most valuable?

Extra-fine beans command the highest prices in UK and EU retail.

Does Egypt export flat or yellow beans?

Yes, in smaller volumes – flat (helda) and yellow (wax) beans serve specialty markets alongside the round-bean mainstream.

How are green beans graded?

Primarily by pod width into extra-fine, fine and bobby, with length and straightness to specification.

How to cite this page

PEI Trade. “Egyptian Green Bean Types: Fine, Bobby & Flat.” peitrade.com, 2026. https://peitrade.com/egyptian-green-bean-types/

Sources

  • CBI / industry references — green bean grading (extra-fine, fine, bobby) and EU retail specifications.
  • Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture; industry reporting — bean types grown for export.

This page is part of our Egyptian Green Bean Export Guide hub.

Source the right Egyptian green bean with PEI Trade. Extra-fine and fine haricots verts, bobby beans and specialty types, graded to your width band and preparation, with GLOBALG.A.P. handling and a careful cold chain. Contact: sales@peitrade.com · WhatsApp +20 109 911 1918 · www.peitrade.com