The runner bean was introduced from Mexico to Europe in mid 17th Century and is usually grown as an annual. Originally they were grown in the UK for their decorative qualities. Dwarf beans were usually grown to be stored, so they could be used as additions to soups and stews throughout the winter. They are at their best when fresh from early June to end of September. They are known as scarlet string beans in the United States. As a child I could regularly be found in the vegetable patch under the bean sticks munching crisp beans or, even better, the neighbouring peas from the pods. This must surely be the best way to eat these wonderful vegetables.
A name for the tiger nut. This is not a nut at all but a wrinkled brown tuber of a type of sedge, Cyperus esculantus var. sativus, mainly from the Mediterranean rim. The flesh is crisp and white with a slight flavour of almond. They may be eaten like nuts and are a major ingredient of a chilled Spanish drink called horchata.
Rush Queen is a floury Irish potato, white-skinned and white-fleshed. Good for boiling and mashing.
Russet Burbank is a floury American potato. Good for mashing.
A variety of green eating apple flushed and streaked with red and russeted. This one came from Denver in Norfolk.
Russian Banana Fingerling is a yellow, banana-shaped variety of potato with firm waxy texture, good baked, boiled or steamed and excellent in salads.
