mature runner beans - when to pick?

[pigeonseed]

Hi

I'm pretty sure somewhere in the bottom of the message bag that is Allotments 4 All, there are already threads about this. But if there are I didn't find them. So forgive me for asking what has probably already been asked!

We got bored eating green runner beans, pods and all. And so I left the rest to mature to full beans. But I've never grown beans like this before - how can I tell when to pod and cook them?

I read you leave the pods of broad beans to pop open before eating. Should I wait for my runners to do the same?

[pigeonseed]

[allaboutliverpool]

Let them dry on the vine and store in a dry place after leaving out to dry even more.

When you want to use them, for example in a casserole, soak them overnight in water.

http://allaboutallotments.com/index.html

[lewic]

Is this the same with other beans? I have loads of Trail of Tears beans that are too stringy to eat fresh, and I was thinking of keeping them for casseroles etc. wasnt sure whether they need to dry out on the bush, or how long this takes.

[saddad]

Fine with trail of tears... and all french beans... leave on the plant as long as possible. Then hang up all the plant in a greenhouse or other light/dry place. Wait for the first pod to split and then they will be well dry and come out easily.
There is a risk if brought in earlier they will go mouldy. Save some for seed and give them all a week in the freezer in jars to kill any bean weevil embryo and then they can be left in the jare all year...  :)

[Digeroo]

I have started to eat beans fresh ie not dried.  They are very nice.  Do need cooking but not very long.  Some of them have good flavour this way.  I wait for a nice large juicy bean.  O Driscoll very good for this, very large tasty juicy beans.

[pigeonseed]

I tried a few today - ones where the mature beans were clearly visible through the pod, they were greenish white, cooked them in a stew - very nice. Compared to tinned kidney or broad beans, very tasty.