Expert: C.L. Fornari - 8/7/2007

Question
they are anualls and all other people are on vacation so i'm sorry if this is not your topic. can they be eaten? if so  than thanx

Answer
Karen,
If you are talking about purple beans that grow on bush beans, then yes, they can be eaten. There is also a vine that is called Dolichos lab lab, that produces purple beans as the lavendar flowers fade - these are also edible but like other beans, they are best when picked small before the inner bean seeds develop.

All purple beans turn green when cooked, however, so don't be surprised at the color change.

DO be sure you are talking about beans - it is always risky to tell someone by email that a plant is edible when I haven't seen a photo  or sample of what you are talking about.  If there is any doubt that you have beans, please take a sample into your local garden center to be sure it is an edible plant.  

all the best,
C.L.