Dwarf french bean "royal red"

[CityChick]

I've just joined the Heritage Seed Library and they've sent me some of these.  Anyone heard of them or grown them before?  I can't find out much info about them.  The info in the catalogue says:

"Produces dark red beans.  It never became popular as it produced seeds plumper and larger than the canning industry wanted". 

Now personally I was struggling to work out exactly why that would be a problem, as I opened the packet only to find out they look ordinary french bean size :-\

I know, I know, plant them and see what happens ::) ;D but I just wondered if anyone knew anything ....

[CityChick]

[mike_w]

They must have a surplus since they sent me the same ones... I wonder if they keep their colour when cooked or are they just plain green on the outside? Thanks CC, I'm all keen to find out now!

Mike

[CityChick]

LOL!!  I suspect that they don't know much about it either then and want some feedback on it ;D

I took their description to mean it was an ordinary (green) dwarf bean, that was originally grown for its red seeds to be used like kidney beans?  But I may be wrong  :-\

[Ricado]

not beans, but ive always wondered why seed potatoes are in general terms much smaller than those you harvest!  Check yours for size  ;)

[jennym]

This is a kidney bean - I grow Montcalm, which is similar. In May I put them approx 4 to a hole, about 18" apart. The pods are tough once the beans get to any size, so you don't really eat the pod, just grow them for the bean. I let them dry, and also freeze them. They are the sort of bean you use in chilli con carne.

[mike_w]

Excellent - thanks!

[CityChick]

Jenny - where did you get your "montcalm" from?  They sound interesting too, but I couldn't find the seed for sale :-\

[jennym]

I bought lots of beans whilst on holiday in France, boxes of them were very good value. Haven't seen them in this country I am afraid.