RUNNER BEANS, SCARLET (B77)

The scarlet runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus) comes from a long, edible green bean-like pod that holds deep red and purple-streaked seeds. The plant is ornamental and a climber, bearing showy sprays of bright red flowers alongside its bean producing pods. In the United States, it is often planted specifically for its beautiful blooms, which tend to attract hummingbirds. The striking dark red to purple streaked beans are larger than most others and hold their shape well when cooked, making them an excellent choice for preparations such as salads, bruschetta and sautés, where they can take center stage. In Mexico, runner beans are often prepared in a chile-spiked sauce or soup. In the Central and South American highlands, where they originated, the beans come in many colors, and are called "frijoles botil," "ayacotl" or "ayacote," the second two words being similar to the French word for bean, "haricot."