deebee
Newly Registered
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Apr 11, 2011 1:54 am

Mysterious beans

Hi there
I have found these growing by my back fence and would love to know what they are and how best to use them.
Looking forward to your help.
Thanks

[IMG]https://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb414/deeebeee/120.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]https://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb414/deeebeee/119.jpg[/IMG]

DoubleDogFarm
Super Green Thumb
Posts: 6113
Joined: Sun Mar 28, 2010 11:43 pm

[img]https://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb414/deeebeee/120.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb414/deeebeee/119.jpg[/img]

It's a runner bean. Maybe Scarlet Emperor.


Eric

DoubleDogFarm
Super Green Thumb
Posts: 6113
Joined: Sun Mar 28, 2010 11:43 pm

Very attractive
[img]https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h300/eric_wa/Vegetable%20Garden%20plants/DSC02330.jpg[/img]
and productive
[img]https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h300/eric_wa/Vegetable%20Garden%20plants/DSC02443.jpg[/img]
and tasty bean
[img]https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h300/eric_wa/Farmers%20Market%20Produce/DSC01097.jpg[/img]

Eric

deebee
Newly Registered
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Apr 11, 2011 1:54 am

Thanks Eric. And scuse my ignorance, but I'm guessing you're only meant to eat the purpley beans inside (and not the green shells)?

User avatar
applestar
Mod
Posts: 30514
Joined: Thu May 01, 2008 7:21 pm
Location: Zone 6, NJ (3/M)4/E ~ 10/M(11/B)

Oh no indeed! Runner beans are delicious when picked as the beans start to fill out but before the pods get tough and stringy. My DDs were very specific about not picking them too early. They sorted the cooked beans, showed them to me, and said: These don't taste as good. Pick them when they are THIS big. :lol:

So far, I haven't been able to grow enough to eat them as shelled fresh or dry beans. Only enough mature beans for next year's seed. Maybe Eric can tell us more.

DoubleDogFarm
Super Green Thumb
Posts: 6113
Joined: Sun Mar 28, 2010 11:43 pm

Apple pretty much summed it up. Eat them as green beans when young and tender. Under 6" is best.

Eric



Return to “Vegetable Gardening Forum”