Sword bean

Canavalia ensiformis, C. gladiata

vegetable · legume

Very large pods picked young, sliced and cooked like green beans, or pickled in Japan.

Origin

Tropical Asia

Where to find it

In Japan, its pods go into fukujinzuke, the pickles served with Japanese curry.

Season (United States)

July to September

Preparation

Only the young pods, well cooked: the ripe seeds contain lectins and canavanine, which are toxic.

Molecules

In small amounts, not counted Insoluble fibers

Did you know?

A mature pod can reach forty centimeters, shaped like a saber blade.