SC - Fava beans??

[LrdRas at aol.com]

In a message dated 12/6/98 4:27:13 AM Eastern Standard Time,
melisant at iafrica.com writes:

<< We do also get the little red kidney beans, which Ras suggested are also
 mentioned in period sources - which ones? Could you post some recipes?? :>
  >>

The 'little red kidney beans' I mentioned  are the dried seeds of Chinese Yard
Long beans. These beans are very small averaging only about 1/3 of an inch
long. The product labeled 'kidney beans' in the supermarket are 2 to 3 plus
times larger and, SFAIK, are a species of Phaseolus therefore New World.

Chinese Yard Long Beans are not Phaseolus. And as indicated in my previous
post, their use in the Middle Ages is merely conjecture on my part. Until I
can find some evidence that clearly shows their use in medieval times, I would
be very hesitant about serving them at feast or claiming them as 'period' for
western cultures. 

OTOH, Chinese and other Oriental personas may use them, as well as mung,
adzuki and other far eastern species with impunity. Likewise, Peruvian, Aztec
or colonial Spanish personas may use Phaseolus species, especially Phaseolus
vulgaris, and remain within period in feast planning.

Ras
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