[ConfusedGardener]

Is there a difference between runner, broad, and kidney beans? Can anyone recommend a variety? I'd like to grow some kidney beans so I can make my own chilli. Thanks.

[Auntiemogs]

Kidney beans are the mature seed of the runner bean plant.  Not sure about varieties, as I grow them to eat the whole pod, but I'm sure someone will be along soon...

[8doubles]

Runner beans and broad beans are nice and kidney beans are orrible !

[Nobbie]

Kidney beans are the mature seed of the runner bean plant.  Not sure about varieties, as I grow them to eat the whole pod, but I'm sure someone will be along soon...

Are you sure about that? Kidney beans are known for containing toxins unless properly prepared. This isn't an issue with runner beans as far as I know.

You could try planting dried kidney beans an see what comes up, but I'd do some more research about the toxin before eating them.

[Goosegirl]

Just giggled kidney beans and they seem to be a variety of the "common bean" which didn't help a lot. Re- kidney bean toxins, they MUST be cooked properly and NOT in a slow-cooker as that increases their toxicity. I would definitely get culinary advice before you make your chilli. I have read somewhere that you shouldn't eat any sort of beans raw as it seems they are all toxic to a degree. Runner beans are eaten in the  pod and can be flat or round-podded; broad beans have either white or green-coloured seeds which are shelled out of the pod before cooking. There are also French beans (dwarf and climbing) which are also eaten in the pod.

[Totty]

None of them are the same, they all have different growing preferences as well as culinary uses.

Totty

[GrannieAnnie]

I think most of the bean seeds can be toxic once dried and then not cooked properly.

I didn't think kidney beans were the mature seeds from the runner bean and all my runner seeds are mottled, but kidney are dark red.

[Becky-Lou]

Hi confused! 

Just to throw a spanner in the works, I generally grow borlotti beans for use in chilli, and very good they are too!  They look stunning, and if you need to dry them for use over the winter, just let the pods dry on the plant, then pop the beans in a jar.  All dried beans need to be soaked and cooked before before being added to dishes as far as I know-this website has some instructions: http://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/articles/know-your-beans-how-to-spot-store-soak-and-cook-beans-and-

Hope that's of some help to you.

[ConfusedGardener]

Thanks for the replies all!

I'll give borlotti beans a go then, but it would be nice to try growing true kidney beans too, if they will grow here? I'm guessing since chilli comes from Mexico, true kidney beans would prefer a warmer climate than we have here? I may try finding/planting some dried kidney beans as Nobbie suggested if I can find any.

If anyone can post some more definitive info on growing kidney beans, please do.

[mumofstig]

Red Kidney beans here
http://www.organiccatalogue.com/p129/FRENCH-BEAN-Canadian-Wonder/product_info.html

other suppliers online.

This particular dried bean produces the familiar dark reddish beans known as Red Kidney Beans. Used in various dishes such as chili con carne.

http://www.spaldingbulb.co.uk/product/beans-dried-canadian-wonder/

[GrannieAnnie]

Hi confused! 

Just to throw a spanner in the works, I generally grow borlotti beans for use in chilli, and very good they are too!  They look stunning, and if you need to dry them for use over the winter, just let the pods dry on the plant, then pop the beans in a jar.  All dried beans need to be soaked and cooked before before being added to dishes as far as I know-this website has some instructions: http://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/articles/know-your-beans-how-to-spot-store-soak-and-cook-beans-and-

Hope that's of some help to you.

I grew borlotti for the first time last year, and had a wonderful crop!  I dried them in the pods, then put them in jars, but be careful!  I couldn't have left them long enough to dry and some started to go mouldy in the jars! 

So I sorted them out, cooked them and froze them in little helpings.  Then I just chuck one or two in whatever I'm cooking!   And although Brian says he doesn't like kidney beans, he says he does like borlotti!  so that's a bonus! 

Really pleased I tried them!

[Hampshire Hog]

To the best of my knowledge these are all different beans. The health issue only arrived when you are using dried rather than fresh beans. According to my book accompanying my now antique pressure cooker you can cook them without an overnight soak. Add boiling water and leave for an hour covered then cook for 30 minutes at high pressure. ( For large beans). I often make soup and add some beans taking this approach.

Cheers HH

[rowan57]

Kidney Beans is a bit of a generic name, if I'm not mistaken they are from French Beans.

[spottymint]

This seems to back the theory that they are related to french beans.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phaseolus_vulgaris

[Auntiemogs]

Apologies for my lack of knowledge CG and all.  Some climbing beans (runners) are called 'kidney beans' for their shape, but true 'kidney beans' are a particular strain of climbing bean.  Many beans contain toxins, but apparently it's especially true of kidney beans, so whatever you rehydrate to cook, it's worth finding out...