Käferbohne’ – known in English as ‘scarlet runner’ or ‘beetle bean’ – is a little-known but unmistakably Styrian speciality, grown mainly in the fields around the towns of Bad Radkersburg, Feldbach, Weiz, Hartberg and Fürstenfeld, where the consistency of the soil and the mild climate provide ideal conditions. The ‘Käferbohnen’ are stored with great care and can therefore be sold all year round. In addition to its delicious nutty taste, the Styrian ‘Käferbohne’ bean has a lot to offer. It is an excellent source of protein, carbohydrates and fibre and is at the same time extremely low in fat. Dishes containing these lovely fat purple beans range from soups to main dishes to puddings.
Particularly delicious: a Käferbohnen salad dressed with Styrian pumpkin seed oil!
