Herrenböhnli
| 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.
