This climbing plant, one of Britain's favorite green beans, was broughtto the British Isles in the 17th century for decorative use because of itsbeautiful flowers. The scarlet runner bean has a long, green bean-type podthat holds red-streaked beige, medium-size seeds. Young runners may be preparedin any way suitable for GREEN BEANS. In U.S. markets consumers are morelikely to find the shelled dried beans, which can be cooked like PINTO orPINK BEANS and used in dishes such as soups and stews.