Best runner beans to grow for taste

[LottieGlut]

I'm just picking the last of my runner beans. This year, I grew Enorma. They were prolific and grew very big. But they were a bit bland, and they quickly grew too tough to eat.

Has any one got any suggestions for what type I can grow next year? I love fresh juicy runner beans.

[Alison]

You need to pick them small, I think Enorma are OK but pick them about half the size of some people I know as I think the taste and texture is better.

[Flummery]

I'm not struck on runners myself but I notice on the back of the new Marshall's catalogue they have a 'high on flavour' bean said to be a cross between a runner and a climbing french. As they are quite different I suspect this has to be done with lots of wine, candle-light and romantic music. Or maybe even an anaesthetic! I might even give them a go.

[DaveInBraknell]

Agree re Enorma.

Painted lady I would heartily recommend heavy cropper tastes nice old heritage variety

Dave

[solway cropper]

I grew a dwarf runner 'Hestia' this year but still gave them a wigwam to climb up. Talk about prolific, we've been eating them from 7th July and they're still going, still plenty of flowers so I hope the frosts keep off for a while. Taste is fine and even the 10 inch long ones are not stringy although they seem best at about 6 inches. They came so fast that we've had to freeze some for the lean months.

[Capsid]

I grew Lady Di this year, they were quite tasty and did not get stringy until really old when I missed one. They were prolific and big.

I found a delicious recipe to use up the glut along with the many cherry toms I grow in my greenhouse. It freezes well too.

Green Beans with Cherry Tomatoes - 30951 - Recipezaar

[basketcase]

I'm not struck on runners myself but I notice on the back of the new Marshall's catalogue they have a 'high on flavour' bean said to be a cross between a runner and a climbing french. As they are quite different I suspect this has to be done with lots of wine, candle-light and romantic music. Or maybe even an anaesthetic! I might even give them a go.

Is this 'Moonlight'? Thought I might give them a go myself.

[bluemoon]

I grew Lady Di last year and they were lovely. This year we tried White Lady and they were very similar, but have white flowers which look lovely with the purple ones of the French beans, if that sort of thing matters to you. I believe Enorma have white flowers too? I vaguely recall growing them quite a few years ago, but can't remember how they were flavour-wise to make a comparison.

[danmon_81]

White Lady

[Flummery]

Is this 'Moonlight'? Thought I might give them a go myself.

Yep - that's the bunny!

[basketcase]

Yep - that's the bunny!

Going to order some soon. Fancy a few to try?

[Flummery]

Oh aye! Want an SAE?

[basketcase]

Oh aye! Want an SAE?

Well I haven't ordered them yet. Will PM you when I have!

[Flummery]

Well I haven't ordered them yet. Will PM you when I have!

Thanks. You're a star!