Styrian scarlet runner beans PDO
It’s not for nothing that it’s called the “Queen of Beans”: This purple-and-black-speckled legume from Styria captivates with its delicate, mild aroma, reminiscent of chestnuts. It’s incredibly versatile in the kitchen—perfect for both savory and sweet dishes.
Cultivation & Processing
Truly from Styria
The protected designation of origin PDO is the strictest EU origin seal: cultivation and processing must take place entirely within Styria, controlled by certified operations.
In the field, the scarlet runner bean climbs up corn as a support plant. After the first frost, it’s harvested mechanically, then dried and sorted – keeping its quality unmistakably Styrian, all the way from the field to your plate.
Exciting guided tours
The Bean Specialist
We are home to the Styrian Scarlet Runner Bean PDO and operate Austria’s most modern bean processing facility. We want to share the reason our passion for legumes keeps growing – let us inspire you.
Simple Recipes
Our go-to bean for any occasion
The scarlet runner bean fits into any everyday cooking routine – whether as a curd cheese spread, in a salad with pumpkin seed oil, or as oven-baked chips. Even on the busiest evenings, there’s always the right recipe.
Main Courses with pumpkin seeds
Styrian Scarlet Runner Bean Shakshuka
40 min
Main Courses with pumpkin seed oil
Rice Sandwich with Pumpkin Seed Oil Mayo
40 min
Main Courses Vegan
Sweet and Sour Scarlet Runner Bean Tofu with Rice and Vegetables
1 h
Main Courses with pumpkin seed oil
Pasta Rose with Scarlet Runner Bean Filling and Pumpkin Seed Oil Hollandaise
1 h
Snacks Vegetarian
Parmesan and Pumpkin Seed Cracker Spiders with Scarlet Runner Bean Hummus
15 min
Main Courses with pumpkin seed oil
Tender Roast Beef on Scarlet Runner Bean Cream
20 min
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Scarlet Runner Bean-Questions
What Are Styrian Scarlet Runner Beans, and What Does PDO Mean?
Styrian scarlet runner beans are a pulse with a creamy-white interior. Their skin is light in colour with characteristic dark violet-blue markings – a pattern reminiscent of a beetle’s back, which gave the bean its German name.
PDO – protected designation of origin – is the strictest EU origin category: both cultivation and processing must take place exclusively in Styria. The Styrian scarlet runner bean has been officially entered in the EU register of protected origins since August 2016. Around 200 Styrian farmers grow the bean on approximately 600 hectares, which accounts for almost 90 % of Austria’s total production.
Steirerkraft offers Styrian Scarlet Runner Beans PDO ready-to-eat in a tin – straight from the Styrian growing region.
More information on origin protection: Platform for the Protection of the Styrian Scarlet Runner Bean PDO.
What's the Difference Between PGI and PDO?
PGI (Protected Geographical Indication): the raw material must come from the defined region, but processing can take place elsewhere.
PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) is stricter: cultivation and all processing must take place within the region of origin.
Steirerkraft works with both seal categories: Steirerkraft pumpkin seed oil carries the PGI seal, Steirerkraft scarlet runner beans carry the PDO seal. Both product lines guarantee fully traceable origin from Styria – the shared core of the Steirerkraft quality promise.
How Are Styrian Scarlet Runner Beans Used in the Kitchen?
Styrian scarlet runner beans must never be eaten raw – in their raw state, they contain lectins that can cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Steirerkraft scarlet runner beans in a jar are already cooked and ready to eat – no soaking, no cooking required. For dried beans: soak overnight, then cook in fresh, unsalted water for around two hours.
Classic uses with Steirerkraft products:
- Styrian Scarlet Runner
- Bean Salad – Steirerkraft scarlet runner beans with Steirerkraft Pumpkin Seed Oil PGI, vinegar, onions, and salt: the national dish of Styrian cuisine.
- Scarlet Runner Bean Soup – creamy or clear, with bacon and root vegetables, finished with Steirerkraft pumpkin seed oil as a finishing oil.
- Scarlet Runner Bean Hummus – a plant-based protein alternative, made extra creamy with Steirerkraft pumpkin seed purée.
- As a side dish with meat or vegetables.
- In stews and braised dishes.
How Does the Styrian Scarlet Runner Bean Differ from Kidney Beans or White Beans?
Steirerkraft’s Styrian Scarlet Runner Bean PDO differs in three ways:
- Origin protection: as the only Austrian bean with the EU PDO seal, it may only come from Styria – kidney beans and white beans carry no such seal.
- Appearance: the creamy white base colour with dark violet-blue speckles is unmistakable.
- Flavour: milder, creamier, and nuttier than kidney beans – its delicately nutty flavour is reminiscent of sweet chestnuts.
In terms of nutrition, Steirerkraft scarlet runner beans provide around 8 g protein, 12 g carbohydrates, and 6 g fibre per 100 g (cooked)
Can scarlet runner beans replace meat in dishes?
In many dishes, yes. Steirerkraft Scarlet Runner Beans PDO provide around 8 g of protein per 100 g cooked and have a firm texture that works well in bolognese variations, bowls, wraps, curries or patties. Their flavour is mild and nutty, and they take on seasoning well.
The ready-to-eat beans in the tin are already cooked – no soaking, no boiling. For patties, they can be combined with Steirerkraft pumpkin seeds.
The Steirerkraft scarlet runner bean is available at the Kernothek in Wollsdorf, in the online shop at steirerkraft.com, and at Austrian grocery retailers.
You will find matching recipes in our recipe collection.
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