I first encountered these scarlet-hued blooms at Mercado Viejo in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas. I bought some that day and took them home to prepare them. After that, I have seen the flower growing in the milpa, on the roadside throughout Chiapas, and even represented in local textiles. When the beans form, the pods are edible whole, or you may remove them and eat the bean inside. They also have a starchy root that is consumed. Read more about how to cook with flor de bótil.

The scarlet runner bean has edible beans, shoots, and roots.

Flor de bótil is a beautiful scarlet colored flower that is edible and can be used for cooking. The brightly colored flowers and green shoots of this legume are actually the belong to a bean plant – known in English as “scarlet runner bean.” This vine is native to Central America and can be found in the southern regions of Mexico.

Native to Central America, you will find these bean flowers commonly in Chiapas. They are grown in the milpas with corn and squash. You will also see it in border regions such as Oaxaca and Veracruz.

Look for flowers that are stored loosely. This is a good sign that they won’t be bruised. The bean flowers are delicate so be sure to handle them with care. Best eaten fresh, but you may store them in your refrigerator for a few days. Wash before ready to use.