This climbing plant — one of Britain's favorite green beans — was brought to the British Isles in the 17th century for decorative use because of its beautiful flowers. The scarlet runner bean has a long, green bean-type pod that holds red-streaked beige, medium-size seeds. Young runners may be prepared in any way suitable for green beans. In U. S. markets consumers are more likely to find the shelled dried beans, which can be cooked like pinto or pink beans and used in dishes such as soups and stews.