Sword Bean (Canavalia gladiata)

Family: Fabaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Canavalia gladiata is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 10 m (32ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young seedpods - raw or more commonly cooked and used as a vegetable. The pod is 20 - 30cm long and 2cm wide. Seeds - cooked. Thorough boiling is necessary in order to destroy a toxic alkaloid. — Young seedpods - raw or more commonly cooked and used as a vegetable.; The pod is 20 - 30cm long and 2cm wide.; Thorough boiling is necessary in order to destroy a toxic alkaloid.; The seedcoats are often removed, then the seeds are cooked in two or three changes of water.

Habitat & North American Range

Not known in the wild. (Zone 10)