I Didn't Die...

Thanks to Holly for starting these wonderful Hyacinth Bean vines for me back in the spring! They are so lovely, with sweetpea-like sprays of purple flowers. Hummingbirds love them - since this vine is right outside my kitchen window, I've been watching the little birds perch on the sturdy stems for a little bit of rest every now and then. When the flowers mature, they form the coolest purple pod, which I thought for a few years was edible. It wasn't very tasty, so I didn't go out to the garden to get rid of hunger pangs or anything like that, but I ate a few as I walked along. One horrified friend informed me that the pods are poisonous, but I checked it out and internet "experts" are undecided. Certainly I didn't die, and neither did all these people who steamed, stir-fried, or boiled them for their dinner. Yet, many are still cautious about eating them. I haven't had any myself, since Horrified Friend gave me Severe Warnings when I plucked one and ate it while chatting with her on her porch. How nice to have a friend who cares!