Kidney beans... what are they?

[gardenpassion]

Hello All,

Just wondering if someone can tell me what kidney beans are? The local horticultural show lists them after runner and broad beans, so am wondering if kidney beans are the same as french beans, as the seeds are kidney shaped... or am I way off the mark there. I know kidney beans are red things we put in chilli-con-carne, but surely they dont just mean these type? Any offers of info gratefully recieved.
thanks

[Two_Sheds]

Kidney beans are the seeds of the French bean (phaseolus vulgaris)

There are 100s of varieties: some of them are kidney shaped, some aren't, some are red, some aren't. Canadian Wonder is a good one if you want the classic red kidney bean that you get in chilli

[Two_Sheds]

Some ideas for cooking them here: http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ans_26962.html

[dominic10]

Thanks for the link 2S - do you have any suggestions for the best way to dry beans? Would be much appreciated.

[Two_Sheds]

any suggestions for the best way to dry beans?

Just leave them on the plants.

When the days start to cool in Sept, remove the leaves to let the sun at the pods. If the autumn looks to be cool & wet, take the nearly-dry pods off and finish drying them indoors (I do them in the greenhouse)

[gardenpassion]

Brilliant, many thanks ... think I might have a go at growing some in my greenhouse, as its a bit cold up here in the lakes, none germinated last year and this year I have brought them on indoors and nutured them carefully so I dont really want the mean weather harming the poor little things!!!