Herrenböhnli

From Beancyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Herrenböhnli
Uses snap, shell, dry
Growth Habit pole
Maturity early
Flower Color white
Pod Color green
Seed Color brownish-pink
Seed Pattern solid


Name and History

From Switzerland. The name can be translated as "Gentlemen's Little Beans" or "Lords' Beanlings" or the like.

herren = upper-class men

böhn = bean

li = diminutive suffix

Description

Growth: Climbing, productive plants.
Flowers: White aging to yellow.
Pods: Green, with a lumpy profile. 4-5 seeds per pod. Pods are a diminutive 2-3 inches long to suit the equally mini beans inside. When fully dry the pods constrict around the seeds, but stay pretty easy to hand-shell.
Seeds: Small and cute, and a bit rounded in shape. Bright delicate light pink when fresh, drying to brownish-pink, and then to light brown in long storage. Ring of darker orangey pigment around the hilum. Very glossy coat.

Uses and Opinions

Adorable size and pearl-like seed makes these an attractive garnish, delicate side-dish, or perhaps play food for toys. The plants are productive enough that at harvest time they make up in numbers what they lack in volume. Several people report the taste as being smooth, refined, and delicate.

Gallery