“Small red climber beans” generally refers to Scarlet Runner Beans (Phaseolus coccineus) or specific pole-bean cultivars of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) like the Red Kidney Bean. They are vigorous climbers often grown for both their striking appearance and edible qualities.
Key Details
- Botanical Name: Phaseolus coccineus (Scarlet Runner Bean) is the most common “climber” with red mature beans. Other possibilities include pole varieties of Phaseolus vulgaris.
- Appearance: The plants produce vigorous vines that can reach up to 9 feet (3 meters) or more in height and require a trellis or other sturdy support to climb. They feature lush green foliage and brilliant red or bicolored flowers that attract pollinators like hummingbirds. The mature beans themselves are typically a deep red, often with black or purple speckles.
- Edibility:
- Young Pods: Can be harvested when tender (around 6-8 inches long) and eaten as snap beans (steamed, sautéed, in salads).
- Mature Beans: The dried beans have a nutty, chestnut-like flavor and are excellent for use in soups, stews, chilis, and baked bean dishes.
- Flowers and Roots: The flowers are edible and make a colorful garnish for salads. In some regions, the starchy tuberous roots can also be cooked and eaten.
- Toxicity: Like most beans, raw or undercooked mature beans contain a toxic protein called phytohaemagglutinin. They must be thoroughly cooked (including an initial boil for at least 10 minutes, discarding the water, and then simmering until tender) to neutralize this toxin and be safe for consumption
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