Pronounce it: Run-ner beens

Runner beans have been growing in South America for over 2,000 years, and are a popular garden vegetable in Britain too. Stronger in flavour and coarser in texture than green beans, they are also much longer and have attractive purple beans inside the pods.

Availability

In season from June until November.

Choose the best

Look for young, crisp, tender beans inside firm, fresh-looking pods.

Prepare it

Top, tail and string runner beans by carefully sliding the knife into the top of the bean without cutting right through it; if a thick thread comes away, the beans will need to be stringed. The beans can then be sliced horizontally.

Store it

Use runner beans as soon as possible after buying as they don’t keep long. Keep in a paper bag in the fridge for 2 – 3 days.

Take a look at our guide on how to freeze runner beans if you want to preserve a batch.

Cook it

Boil runner beans until al dente.
 

How to cook runner beans:

Use up a glut of veggies from the garden with our best ever runner bean recipes. Turn this glorious green bean into salads, pasta dishes and exotic curries. Try our top 5 filling seasonal dishes to get you started.

Alternatives

Try broad bean or pea.