Can Green Beans Matured to Brown be Eaten?

[terrysangel]

Hi, Can anyone tell me what the bean inside the pod is called when you let the green bean mature to a large brown speckled bean?

Also, are you suppose to eat the actual brown bean when they mature to this point?

My green beans matured to this last season when I got behind with my garden and they looked just like the seed you plant to grow the green beans! Can you cook/eat them like a pinto bean at this stage of maturity?
Thank You,
Angela

[2cents]

There are so many different types of beans and variations that it is hard to tell what type you are referring to. A picture would help. There are several varieties of pinto beans.
If it is a round bean, what it sounds like you are describing is a pinto bean. The pinto or cowboy bean has a speckled or mottled appearance when dried. The pinto makes a good green bean and of course is an excellent dry bean.
These typically have a high regermination rate.

[terrysangel]

My green beans were "Kentucky Wonder Bush Stringless" does that help?
Thanks...............Angela

[Kisal]

You can dry and eat the Kentucky Wonder pole beans, but I'm not sure about the bush beans. You could always try it and see. I don't think you would be harmed by eating them, but they might lack flavor. I just don't know.

[Jbest]

The KW pole beans will make the best ham and bean soup you have ever tasted.

John

[2cents]

Angela,
I grow several types of beans each year. Most years I've got some that go to seed, and left dry on the vine/bush. Most years there is a mix that will make a couple cups upto a gallon of dry beans and peas.
The sweet little lady in my kitchen has thrown a variety in soup and called it 3-4-5-6 or even 7 bean soup. With the added ham bone and onion it tastes just like store bought bean soup mix.
Try them for burritos, I don't think you be dissatisfied.