Runner bean facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Runner bean
Scientific classification
Synonyms
List Lipusa formosa (Kunth) Alef. Lipusa multiflora Alef. Phaseolus flavescens Piper Phaseolus formosus Kunth Phaseolus griseus Piper Phaseolus harmsianus Diels Phaseolus leiosepalus Piper Phaseolus multiflora Lam. Phaseolus multiflora Willd. Phaseolus obvallatus Schltdl. Phaseolus polyanthus Greenm. Phaseolus prorifirus M.E. Jones Phaseolus striatus Brandegee Phaseolus strigillosus Piper Phaseolus superbus A.DC. Phaseolus sylvestris Kunth Phaseolus vulgaris var. coccineus L.

You can often buy runner beans like this in stores.

The runner bean (its scientific name is Phaseolus coccineus) is a type of bean that many people grow in their gardens. You might also hear it called the scarlet runner bean or multiflora bean. It belongs to the Fabaceae plant family, which includes many other legumes like peas and lentils. Sometimes, it's even called a butter bean, but be careful! That name can also mean the Lima bean, which is a different plant. Runner beans first grew in South America. They were brought to Europe in the 1600s.

Growing Runner Beans

Runner beans can handle cold weather better than some other types of beans. This is why they are often grown in Europe, even in places that are higher up. Today, people grow runner beans for two main reasons: either as pretty plants to look at, or to harvest them for food.

How They Grow

When grown in a garden, runner beans need something to climb on. People often use tall poles, about 4 to 5 meters high, to help the plants grow upwards. These plants are like natural climbers!

Why They Are Special

In Europe, runner beans usually die in winter. This is because they cannot survive long periods of cold weather. They are not like some plants that can stay alive through the winter and grow back in spring.

Eating Runner Beans

Runner beans are a popular food in many parts of the world. People usually eat the long, green pods. They are often cooked and served as a side dish. In some places, like India, flat beans (a type of runner bean) are eaten. In other areas, like the Mediterranean, they might be cooked in a tomato sauce.

Images for kids

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  Seeds of 'Scarlet Emperor'

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  A Spanish type of runner bean called Judión de la Granja

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  An Austrian "Käferbohnen salad" made with runner beans, pumpkin seed oil, and sliced onions

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  Flat beans are often eaten in India. They are usually cooked and served as whole pods that have a wide and flat shape.

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  Giant beans, a Mediterranean side dish: cooked runner beans in tomato sauce.

See also

In Spanish: Ayocote para niños