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English Runner beans are long and flat and can grow up to ten inches in length, though will be at their best flavor and texture when picked at six to eight inches. The bean pods are smooth and have a bright green exterior which encases a crisp, slightly juicy interior and petite undeveloped seeds or beans. English Runner beans are typically consumed when they are immature and tender, older beans will become too fibrous for consumption. Many English Runner bean varieties need to be stringed first to remove the long string that runs along the sides of the bean. There are some newer varieties of Runner beans though that have been breed for convenience to be string-less. Runner bean plants are also known for their vibrant scarlet and white blooms which are edible as well and offer a fresh and light bean flavor.
Seasons/Availability
English Runner beans are available in the summer and early fall months.
Current Facts
English Runner beans are botanically known as part of Phaseolus coccineus and are a vining perennial, oftentimes grown though as an annual. Unlike most beans which twine counterclockwise English Runner beans twine clockwise and care should be taken when trellising and assisting the growing plants onto the support poles as to prevent breakage of the vines. The English Runner bean is also unique in that they form their cotyledons in the soil rather than above ground. While not popularly used culinarily in the United States the English Runner bean is recommended in gardening as a plant that is beneficial in attracting pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. English Runners appear in many seed catalogs in the ornamental vine or flower section as a result of their vibrant blooms which grow on lengthy vines and can serve as a decorative privacy screen or canopy when trellised.
Nutritional Value
English Runner beans contain vitamin K, folate, vitamin C and manganese.
Applications
English Runner beans are most often served cooked unless picked when very young and immature at which point they can be utilized like snap beans. The beans are typically first stringed then cut into short lengths using a knife or bean slicer. The cut beans can be boiled, steamed, baked, sautéed and braised. Chopped beans can be added to quiche, curry, stews, sautés and casseroles. The flowers of the English Runner bean plant can be consumed as well and are popularly used as a garnish or added to salads. Their flavor pairs well with onion, leeks, potatoes, lemon, garlic, peaches, vinegar, butter, mustard, cumin, ginger, curry, nutmeg, tarragon, parmesan cheese, bacon, white fish and lamb. English Runner beans should be stored in the refrigerator and are best if used within two to three days.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
English Runner beans are easy to grow and a staple vegetable in British cuisine. In the 1969 Oxford Book of Food Plants the Runner bean is described as, “by far the most popular green bean in Britain”.
Geography/History
The English Runner bean is believed to be native to the high altitude regions of Central America. From there it made its way to Spain then eventually spread throughout Europe. The Runner bean is believed to have first been introduced to England in the seventeenth century by plant collector John Tradescant the younger. The English Runner bean plant was grown for nearly one hundred years in Britain as an ornamental until the pods were rediscovered to be edible by Philip Miller of Physic Garden in Chelsea. True to their name English Runner beans are a climbing plant and should be trellised on a structure that allows them to grow tall. The beans will continue to grow beyond the height of the poles they are trellised on and should be pinched to halt upward growth and encourage flowering and bean production. Additionally, English Runner beans develop deep roots and require adequate soil depth in planter beds and pots to grow. Like many beans English Runner beans are not tolerant of cold and should be planted after the last frost occurs.
Borough Market
London SE1 9AL, United Kingdom
English Runner beans are best picked when they are six to eight inches long, as older beans can become overly fibrous and unsuitable for eating. These beans may need stringing to remove the tough strings along their sides, although newer varieties often come stringless for convenience. Their plants produce vibrant scarlet and white blooms, which are edible and add a fresh, light bean flavor, making them perfect for enhancing salads.
Mercato dell' Unità
Piazza dell' Unità, 53, Via Cola di Rienzo, 245, 00192 Roma RM
English Runner beans are best cooked unless harvested very young, when they can be used like snap beans. They must usually be stringed and cut before being boiled, steamed, baked, sautéed, or braised. These beans pair well with ingredients like garlic, butter, curry, nutmeg, and parmesan cheese. Their edible flowers are also used as garnishes or in salads. For optimum freshness, store them in the fridge and consume within two to three days.
Campo de' Fiori
Campo de' Fiori, 00186 Roma RM
English Runner beans are distinctive plants that attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds, thanks to their vibrant blooms. Unlike most beans, they twine clockwise, requiring careful trellising to prevent vine breakage. Their cotyledons develop beneath the soil rather than above it. Though not widely consumed in the U.S., they are rich in vitamin K, folate, vitamin C, and manganese, offering ornamental and nutritional benefits alike.
Spqr Mercato Rionale
Via Cola di Rienzo, 261, 00192 Roma RM
English Runner bean: Native to Central America's high-altitude regions, it was introduced to England in the 17th century by John Tradescant the younger but initially grown as an ornamental plant. Rediscovered as edible by Philip Miller of Physic Garden, this climbing bean thrives on trellises. It needs deep soil and warm temperatures, as frost can hinder growth, and pinching the top encourages flowering and bean production.
Natoora Spa Terminus Market
Discovery Business Park, Rear of Arch 6, Dockley Rd SE16 4QT, United Kingdom
Runner beans are deeply rooted in British culinary traditions, often grown in home gardens for their ease and abundance. They were highlighted in the 1969 Oxford Book of Food Plants as "by far the most popular green bean in Britain," a testament to their longstanding popularity in English cuisine. Their vibrant flowers and versatile flavor make them a staple in many savory dishes.
Elsey & Bent
8 Southwark St London England SE1 1TL
+44 20 7407 3377
English Runner beans are at their peak flavor and texture when picked at six to eight inches long, even though they can grow up to ten inches. They have a smooth, bright green exterior with a crisp interior and tiny, undeveloped seeds. These beans are best consumed while still tender, as older ones become fibrous. Some varieties require stringing, but newer ones have been bred to be string-less. The scarlet and white blooms of the plant are edible and offer a light, fresh bean flavor.
Mercato dell' Unità
ingresso principale in, Piazza dell' Unità, Via Cola di Rienzo, 53, 00192 Roma RM
English Runner beans are versatile and can be boiled, steamed, sautéed, baked, or braised. When picked young, they can be used like snap beans. Their flavor complements onions, leeks, potatoes, garlic, lemon, and various spices. The flowers are edible too and often used as garnishes. To maintain freshness, store them in the refrigerator and use them within two to three days for the best results.
English Runner beans twine clockwise, unlike most beans that grow counterclockwise. Care must be taken when trellising them to prevent vine breakage. Their vibrant blooms grow on lengthy vines, making them popular as ornamental plants for privacy screens or canopies. Uniquely, they form cotyledons in the soil. They attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds and are rich in vitamin K, folate, vitamin C, and manganese.
Mercato di San Cosimato
Piazza di S. Cosimato, 64, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
English Runner beans have a fascinating history that traces back to high-altitude Central America. They were introduced to England in the seventeenth century by plant collector John Tradescant the younger. Initially grown for their ornamental beauty, their edible pods were later rediscovered by Philip Miller of Physic Garden in Chelsea over a century later. These climbing plants require trellising, deep roots, and warm conditions for optimal growth and bean production.
Perry Court Farm
Perry Court Farm Canterbury Road Ashford Kent TN25 4ES England
+44 1233 812302
Runner beans are a classic vegetable in British cuisine and have been cherished for generations. The 1969 Oxford Book of Food Plants highlights their significance, stating they are “by far the most popular green bean in Britain.” These plants are easy to grow, making them a favorite for home gardeners and an essential ingredient in many traditional dishes.
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