How to harvest scarlet runner beans for dried beans

Scarlet runner beans are a garden favorite: fast-growing vines covered in bright red flowers that pollinators love. But many gardeners don't realize the beans themselves are just as versatile as the plant is beautiful.

Did you know? You can eat almost the entire scarlet runner bean plant — pods, shelled beans, dried seeds, flowers, and even the starchy roots!

• Pods: Pick them small and tender, then boil, steam, or sauté.

• Fresh shell beans: Let the pods grow bigger so the seeds plump up, then shell and cook fresh, similar to lima beans.

• Dried beans: Let the pods dry completely on the vine, then shell and store the seeds. Soak and boil before eating.

Scarlet runner beans are great in chili, salads, and stews. Young pods taste sweet and grassy, like a green bean. Shelled beans taste rich and starchy, like a lima or kidney bean. And the bright red flowers taste like sweet peas!

Ready to watch and learn? Join Kevin as he harvests beans from our Growing Gardeners Club demonstration garden.