Shelling beans?

[merkin]

I can't believe I am so removed from where my food comes from that I have to ask this question.

I grew some green beans this summer, I think the seeds were labeled 'filet beans'. After a few harvests, I got lazy and the seeds started plumping up- so can I shell them and cook them like cranberry beans? I think the answer is obvious, but would hate to poison anyone!

[corneygirl]

I think so, but wait until the bean pods dry on the vines first. I wouldn't worry about posioning anybody, just not the best resulty (from my very limited experience).

[Zeldog]

It's not a scientific term but filet bean usually means a french style green bean (small, compact, best eaten as a snap bean). But any bean can be eaten as a shelled bean, and you don't need to wait until the pods dry completely. You can shell beans as soon as the pods start to wilt a bit. Relax, beans are 100% healthy from start to finish.