Tag: Eating raw beans

While some suggest young snake beans can be enjoyed raw in salads, many experts and health authorities advise caution with all raw or undercooked beans. Raw or undercooked legumes often contain the naturally occurring toxin phytohaemagglutinin, which can cause severe gastrointestinal distress.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), beans are one of the most important food crops globally, with approximately 71% of the world's common bean production destined for human consumption. So, are beans edible? The short answer is yes, they are, but a crucial distinction lies in their preparation: some types, especially when raw, can be toxic and must be cooked properly to be safe to eat.