Tongue of Fire Beans-French Bean#02

Tongue of Fire French Beans are a unique heirloom variety of pole or bush beans (depending on the cultivar) known for their striking appearance and rich flavor. Here’s a detailed overview:

General Overview

• Name: Tongue of Fire Beans (also called “Borlotto Lingua di Fuoco” in Italian)
• Type: Shelling bean (used fresh or dried)
• Growth Habit: Available in bush and pole types (check seed packet)
• Scientific Name: Phaseolus vulgaris

Appearance

• Pods: Creamy white or pale green with bold, red streaks and blotches
• Beans: Plump, oval-shaped beans that are cream-colored with red speckles.

Culinary Uses

• Can be eaten fresh (as shelling beans) or dried
• Nutty and rich flavor, great in:
  • Soups and stews
  • Italian dishes like minestrone
  • Cooked as a standalone side dish

Note: Pods lose red color when cooked, but beans retain a marbled look when dried.

Harvesting

• Green stage: Pick young pods for fresh shelling
• Dry stage: Let pods fully dry on the plant, then harvest and store beans

Benefits & Features

• Heirloom variety with rich cultural history (originally from South America, popular in Italy)
• Good for drying and long storage
• Nitrogen-fixing, improving soil health.