[Truffle]

I have planted runner, dwarf and climbing beans. I know all about runner and dwarf as I have grown and eaten these, but what exactly are climbing beans and how do you eat them (just the bean or the whole thing etc)

[DD.]

There are many sorts of climbing bean, it's a cover all term.

These include pea beans, Borlotti beans, French beans and the runner beans you mention. Can you be more specific?

[Truffle]

The packet says "Climbing bean" "Festival" and the only writing I can make out says that it is a flat pod which are full of flavour and are vigorous plants.

[DD.]

Bear with me, I'm not a culinary expert, but those look as though you cook whole, before they get too tough, top & tail, chop into smaller lengths, lightly boil/steam, toss in butter and seasoning etc..

[mumofstig]

I slice them like runner beans   

[TerryB]

I'd cook them as you would your dwarf beans.
As DD and mumofstig have shown, its down to individual taste.

[Truffle]

wow, my mouth is watering already. Glad I planted them now. Just did not know if they were some sort of bean I had not heard of before. I have never grown a flat pod bean before or eaten one to my knowledge. Thanks for that, I let you know how I get on.

[Kleftiwallah]

If you like the taste, try and allow a few pods to dry on the plant and save the seed for next year.   :happy:   Cheers,     Tony.