kidney Beans

[sawfish]

Has anyone ever tried growing Kidney Beans? I love Flageolet beans which are young kidney beans so I want to grow them.

[sawfish]

[woppa30]

I may be way of the mark here but aren't kidney beans just runner beans that haven't been picked???

[Stevens706]

Hi,

Growing them for the first time this year, I can send you a few beans to try if you want.

[Tee Gee]

I may be way of the mark here but aren't kidney beans just runner beans that haven't been picked???

In my neck of the woods Kidney beans are dwarf French beans and I prefer these to runner beans, you can also get climbing varieties. I am growing both this year.

[powerspade]

I grow a dwarf kidney beans called Canadian wonder its a old variety I think dating back to 1873 I grow this variety because its the one my grandfather grew with great success. This type is the red kidney bean that is used in chillies also stews and curries. The seed can be a little difficult to get hold of as many seedsmen don't stock it anymore, but you can get them in Wilkos, Kings and Garden Organic. I have tried modern types but I always go back to the old one as I found it is the best heavy harvesting french bean out of all of them, the biggest bonus is the taste.  yum yum 

[betula]

Is this red bean poisonous before cooking or have I got it confused with something else?

[powerspade]

You MUST boil mthem for at least 10 minute otherwise they will make you ill

[betula]

Yes I thought that was so,I have heard you should not eat runner beans raw but I have done,I won't risk it again. :)

[Toadspawn]

I guess it depends where you live as to what you call them - kidney beans and runner beans are the same thing. I have always called them kidney beans. They are not French beans.
They are usually picked when about 12" long or sometimes a bit longer if the seeds have not developed very much, sliced and cooked in boiling water. Usually served as an accompanyment to a meal. However, I often just eat a plate of beans, liberal amounts of pepper and buttered fresh bread.
They are also great eaten raw standing by the bean row.   
You only need to boil the beans to remove toxins if you harvest them as dry mature beans and eat them then.