Rattlesnake bean

The rattlesnake bean is an heirloom cultivar of pole bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). The pods are 6 to 8-inches long with purple markings, and the seeds are light brown with brown markings, still visible after cooking. They are named for the snake-like manner in which their pods coil around the vine.^[1]

'Rattlesnake bean'
Species	Phaseolus vulgaris

Rattlesnake beans favor hot weather such as in American Southeast and mid-Atlantic, though they are easy to grow elsewhere as well. They have an average to long time from germination to harvest, ranging from 60 to 90 days.^[2] They should be harvested frequently for increased yields. Plant grows up to ten feet, producing purple flowers before the pods.^[3][4]

As fresh snap beans, they are sweet-tasting.^[2] Cooked dry beans have an intense flavor that combines well with strong spices, making them suitable for chili con carne.^[5]

References

1. Irma S. Rombauer; Marion Rombauer Becker; Ethan Becker; Maria Guarnaschelli (5 November 1997). JOC All New Rev. - 1997. Simon and Schuster. pp. 274–. ISBN 978-0-684-81870-2.
2. "'rattlesnake' pole bean, a prolific, easy heirloom". Retrieved 23 November 2014.
3. "Bean, Rattlesnake Snap Organic". Seed Savers Exchange. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
4. "Food Worth Growing: Rattlesnake Pole Bean". yougrowgirl.com. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
5. Ron Herbst; Sharon Tyler Herbst (2015). The Deluxe Food Lover's Companion, 2nd edition. Barron's Educational Series. pp. 1439–. ISBN 978-1-4380-7621-8.