Jack bean

Canavalia ensiformis · Legume

40 pairings

The jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) is a vigorous tropical legume grown for its very long, sword-shaped pods and its large, smooth white seeds. Drought-hardy and easy to grow, it is valued as forage, green manure and a famine-reserve food — but its raw seeds carry potent natural toxins and must be carefully processed before they are eaten.

Picking a good onedrag

New crop, sound and cleanOld, musty, will not soften

Sound and dryThe workaday bean, and the same drill every time: dehull, soak, pour that water off, boil hard. That cuts the canavanine down rather than clearing it - keep the plate small.The everyday sack

ColourCream, the hilum a little dulled

The handfulHard, a dry even rattle

Smell in the bagDry and dusty, a plain starch note

What to look for, from new crop, sound and clean to old, musty, will not soften.

Preparing