I planted some hyacinth bean seeds thinking they were eating beans. Now I'm not so sure. Seems like they are more of an ornamental thing. Did I boo-boo? If they are edible, do you eat them like any other green bean?
Hyacinth beans
Hyacinth Bean (Dolichos lablab) are different from common beans, asparagus beans, or runner beans. They are considered edible, but they are toxic. Asian cultures may have ways to deal with the toxicity, like we southerners do with poke salat.
http://www.agrohaitai.com/beanpea/hyacinthbean/hyacinthbean.htm
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MV019
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/poison/Dolicla.htm
Technically edible, and eaten in many parts of the world, but caution is needed, especially with the dried beans which contain toxins.
http://tinyurl.com/a24qa
I grow them, too, but just as an ornamental.
I guess they'll be ornamental for me as well then! I filled in with other flowers, so the whole bed will be ornamental amidst the other vegie beds.