This colorful bean is one of the most unique-tasting varieties of beans out there. Known as the “peanut bean”, the pink half runner has many rare qualities that make it stand out.
Let’s get into everything you need to know about the one-of-a-kind pink half runner bean.
All About Pink Half Runner Beans
As the name suggests, the pink half runner bean is a half runner bean. This means it has a compact growth habit like bush beans, but they produce what are known as “runners” off the vine.
Runners are bean pods that run along the length of the vine of the plant, hence its name.
This combo of short and compact vines that produce more beans along the length of the vine via runners means that the plant doesn’t need a large trellis to hold the vines.
The pink half runner is also known for having large yields for this reason.
Characteristics
Known for being bright pink and yellow, it’s a beautiful plant that will liven up your garden’s aesthetic. They begin green, then change to yellow with pink tips.
Fitting the pink theme, their seeds are also (as you may have guessed) pink!
As for their nickname of “peanut bean”, they earned that because of their flavor.
Eating Pink Half Runner Beans
What Does the Pink Half Runner Bean taste Like?
The pink half runner has a strong nutty flavor similar to a peanut when it is dried.
That’s not to say it doesn’t have this peanut-like flavor if it isn’t dried. The bean has a strong nutty flavor no matter how it’s consumed.
How to Eat Pink Half Runner Beans
Want a salad with a healthy dose of protein and all the nutrients needed to help you recover from a workout? Try this beetroot runner bean grapefruit salad.
Wondering what to cook for your big family gathering? Try this Green Bean Casserole recipe that everyone will love.
If you are still unsure what to make with your delicious pink half runners, look at this list of 59 green bean recipes.
Health Benefits
As with most beans, the pink half runner bean is known to be a great source of protein.
They are also high in fiber and low in calories, making them good for diets and digestion.
Beans are also notorious for being high in folate. Folate is a B vitamin that is vital for its role in cell growth. They are also packed with vitamin C, which is essential for immune health.
How to Grow Pink Half Runner Beans
You should plant the beans after the last frost melts away, taking advantage of the increasing warmth of the weather throughout the growing process.
The pink seeds should be sowed directly into the soil. You should plant the seeds about 1 inch deep.
Each seed should be planted 2 to 3 inches away from the other to allow the proper space to sprout.
If you choose to plant them in double rows, they should be 6 inches apart with 3 inches of space within each double-row
The beans take 8 to 16 days to germinate and about 60 days to fully mature.
Where to Buy Seeds
There are many places where you can buy these seeds, but we recommend your pink half runner bean seeds conveniently online at Hoss Tools.
Preservation and Storage
The first thing that always comes to mind with beans is canning. To can your beans, wash, string, and cut them.
Then in a jar add salt and cover them with boiling water. Once they have cooled a bit, remove the air bubbles, transfer them into a can and lid them. All that’s left to do is pressurize and seal the can. Let the can cool and that’s all she wrote!
Another way to store your beans is to freeze them. Start the same way you started with the canning process by washing, stringing, and cutting them.
Once this is done all there is left to do is blanch them, leave them in ice water to cool, and pack them in your freezer. In the freezer, the beans will have a shelf life of about 3 months.
Perhaps the best way to preserve and store your pink half runner beans is by drying them. This process is incredibly simple.
If you live in a dry environment, just leave them on the vine when they are done maturing instead of harvesting and the climate will do the work for you. This is because runner beans tend to have high-hanging pods that allow air to pass through easily.
If you live in a humid environment, harvest the bean pods and place them in a part of your house that is well-ventilated and where air can circulate over the entire pod. This should be more than enough to allow the beans to dry out.
Diseases
Unfortunately, the pink half runner bean is not a disease-resistant variety. They’re especially susceptible to bean mosaic virus, root rot, and powdery mildew.
Not to fear, though. As long as you’re careful, your beans should be just fine.
Hygiene is important when it comes to avoiding plant diseases. Make sure to wash your hands and equipment before tending to the plants.
If one of the plants becomes infected, it’s best to remove it immediately for the sake of the rest of the plants in your garden.
Colorful Yet Delicious Bean to Spice Up Your Garden
A beautiful addition to your garden that tastes as good as it looks, the pink half runner bean is a must-add to any home garden.
Its nutty flavor can be utilized in a variety of ways and in countless recipes.
If you wish to learn more about other beans you can grow in your garden, visit our Bean Plants page for in-depth growing guides and variety posts.