Lesson: Become Friends with Beans

child snacks on green beans from kids teepee play tent

Growing up in a Hispanic household, I was raised on frijoles (beans) and arroz (rice). Beans and rice, rice and beans. It was a staple on the dinner table and holidays were no exception. In 35 years, I don't think I can recall a Christmas dinner without being served a heaping dollop of arroz y frijoles. It's no wonder why a runner bean vine climbed to the top of the list for my living backyard play tent kits!

Beyond my own affinity for beans, these vines have a lot of benefits in their own right. Number one, the vines are not toxic. That's super important. There are a lot of vines out there with gorgeous blooms but the flowers can be poisonous. With Scarlet Runner beans, even the flowers are edible!

I also wanted the vine to be useful, beyond the beauty of a bright flower. Beans are a great source of nutrition since they are packed with protein and low in fat. These vines also provide nourishment for hummingbirds and bees. This plant earns its keep!

I hope you will enjoy incorporating this yummy legume into your family's diet this summer. I'm sure it'll taste even better with the knowledge that you grew it yourselves.

 

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