Tongue of Fire shelling beans: fully mature long pods measure approximately 6 to 7" long. The young pods are green with red stripes and when they mature turn a creamy white with red stripes, similar to that of the cranberry bean. The plump seeds within the pods as well when mature will have a white background decorated with speckles of red. Tongue of Fire beans are rich in protein and carbohydrates, a fact that makes them an excellent nutritional substitute for meat in main dish soups, stews, and braises. When used as a shell bean Tongue of Fire beans offer a meaty yet creamy texture and a nutty, somewhat sweet bean flavor. In their immature stage when used whole as a snap type bean Tongue of Fire will offer a vegetal taste, reminiscent of green beans and broccoli. Enjoy their colors before preparing because like many beans Tongue of Fire will lose its signature red streaks once cooked.
Scientific Name: Phaseolus vulgaris
Plant Life Cycle: annual
Optimal Germination Temperature: 16 °C
Germination time in days: 7-14 Days
Indicative Days to maturity: 60 Days
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil requirement: well drained
Sowing and cultivation: Plant 2.5 cm deep, direct sow outdoors 10-15 cm apart when danger of frost has passed and soil temperature is over 16C. Plant 8 cm apart and leaving around 60 cm between each row
