How to Harvest Cannellini Beans

Cannellini beans arrived in the United States in the early 1800s from Europe. The large, white and kidney-shaped bean is a staple of Italian cuisine, appearing in dishes by itself or in combination with other foods, such as minestrone soup. The annual vine grows 6 to 10 feet long in warm weather. Cannellini is traditionally picked dry and served cooked. In fact, the University of Minnesota Extension service warns that fresh cannellini, including its sprouts, is toxic.

Shears (optional)
Bowl
Jar with lid

Instructions

- 1
  Find out how long the variety of cannellini beans you planted takes to ripen from the day of germination. The information is printed on the seed packet. In general, the bean germinates in one to two weeks. The pods are ready for harvest 80 to 90 days later. Use the information as a guideline only. Look for other signs since local environmental conditions might delay or accelerate vine development.
- 2
  Monitor the pods daily as the estimated harvest date approaches. Shake the pods hanging on the vine when they appear to be completely dry. When you hear the beans knocking around inside, cut the pods off the stems or pull them by hand.
- 3
  Break the shells over an empty bowl. Let the beans fall in and discard the open pods.
- 4
  Pick the beans by hand, separating them from shell pieces that may have fallen in the bowl. Drop the beans inside a jar. Cap it and store it away from sunlight in a dry room.

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