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Are Rattlesnake Bean Blossoms Edible? #872199

Asked June 08, 2024, 3:04 PM EDT

Hullo! Are rattlesnake and other pole bean or bush bean blossoms edible, like scarlet runner bean blossoms are? Also, are rattlesnake and other pole bean or bush bean tops edible, like pea tops are? (And, I believe pea blossoms are edible also; isn't that right?) Thank You

Douglas County Minnesota

Expert Response

Good Morning John, 

Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service. 

Please click on this link from Wisconsin Extension: https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/scarlet-runner-bean-phaseolus-coccineus/#:~:text=The%20edible%20flowers%20have%20a%20bean%2Dlike%20flavor,fibrous%20and%20can%20be%20boiled%2C%20steamed%2C%20saut%C3%A9ed%2C This information is about scarlet runner beans. This information indicates the flowers are edible. 

I was unable to find specific information about the rattlesnake pole bean blooms. Here is a link from the U of M Extension Yard and Garden website about growing beans: 

https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-beans#other-kinds-of-beans-351012

Good Luck!

Maureen Graber Replied June 09, 2024, 7:53 AM EDT
Dear Ms. Graber,

Thank you kindly for your reply.  Yes -- we are quite familiar with Scarlet runner beans, Phaseolus coccineus.  We've been growing them for about 25 years now.  We love the pea-like flavor of their blossoms, and their bright color in our salads.  We also enjoy the dry beans in our chilis and other soups.  Especially we enjoy watching the hummingbirds work the flowers and do the pollinating for us!

Somehow ... somewhere ... I thought I had heard that Rattlesnake (pole) bean flowers, for many a traditional part of the Indigenous "three sisters garden," were also edible.  But, as with your response and my searching on the Internet I cannot confirm that.  So, will simply enjoy their blossoms this season for their beauty, and utilize the dry beans in dishes and as seed for next year.

Thank you, again, and all the best,
John
____________________

Rev. John M. Riggle
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The Lord God took man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it {"to serve" the garden} and to keep it {"to preserve" God's good creation.} Genesis 2:15 ... with Hebrew highlights

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On Sun, Jun 9, 2024 at 6:53 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied June 09, 2024, 3:02 PM EDT

Good Luck!

Maureen Graber Replied June 11, 2024, 11:42 AM EDT

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