White Hyacinth beans, or biandou beans, are used in Chinese medicine and have various properties that aid in stomach and spleen ailments. Botanically known as Dolichos lablab and in the Leguminosae family, these beans are not truly “beans”; the flat pods are actually the seeds of the hyacinth vine.

Biandou beans are thin, light green pods when young; they look similar to snow peas. As the beans mature, they expand as the peas within them grow. The pods can grow anywhere from three to six inches and can change to a darker green color. Biandou beans grow on the White Hyacinth bean vine, which can be seen grown as an ornamental plant in many parts of the world. The beans taste similar to lima beans, though some say there is a very strong “bean”-like flavor. Biandou beans are best eaten when young, because as they mature the level of cyanogenic glycosides increases.

Nutritional Value

Biandou beans are used in Chinese medicine because of the various elements and compounds contained within the seed itself, such as iron and zinc, B vitamins and carotene. Baked white hyacinth beans have been used to treat the spleen, distended abdomen, and to promote good appetite.

Serving Ideas

It is recommended that biandou beans be eaten when young, though they can be eaten when mature only if they are thoroughly cooked and the water is changed at least twice. Dry beans must be doubly soaked and thoroughly cooked. Biandou beans are used for a variety of dishes in Asia and the US. The beans are prepared like green beans or snow peas in stir fry or as a side. The young beans can be added to salads. Dry beans can be fermented, sprouted, and even made into tofu.

Geography/History

The biandou bean is cultivated as a vegetable in its native tropical Asia. Native to Africa, Dolichos lablab are grown in both south-east Asia and eastern Africa as a pulse crop (legumes harvested for both animal and human consumption) like soy. Thomas Jefferson grew both the white and the purple hyacinth plants at his Monticello estate in Virginia. The plants are grown as ornamental vines throughout the mid-Atlantic area of the US and throughout the tropics in Asia and Africa.

Seasons/Availability

White hyacinth beans are available year-round in tropical climates, and during the summer in more moderate climates.