[erainn]

Here's where I openly display my newbie level of knowledge by asking a question of supreme simplicity, yet the answer to which is beyond my understanding Regarding French beans, there is much advice on harvesting while slender and without seeds having developed too much. Mine are about 5 to 6 inches with some visible bumbs from seeds inside, so here's my question: are they still fine to eat or best left to mature completely and harvest as Haricot beans? Culinary advice experience most welcome Many thanks

[Salmo]

They may be edible still. The only way to find out is to eat some.

If they are beyond edible it is best to pick them and compost them so that the plants keep producing.

If you really want haricots then leave them but do not expect the plants to carry on producing young beans as they have completed their task of procreation.

[zazen999]

They are edible as 5 different bean types.

a - as green beans before the beans inside develop
b - as green beans with small beans inside
c - as haricots [beans inside used, whilst still white]
d - as shellys [beans inside colouring, not fully dried out]
e - as dried beans [beans inside coloured, and dried out and fully resoaked and cooked before eating]

[erainn]

Thanks for your kind and very helpful advice