101 stupid questions

1. Can you save beans for drying / shelling from any variety? I know they’re some varieties that are best fresh for pods, some for drying the actual beans and some that do both. I ask because I’ve let my DFB pods get to big. 1a. Can I leave them for shelling? 
2. How’s the best way to dry them? I know you’re supposed to leave them on the plant to dry. All they will do is rot, if I leave them on the plant. 
3. Can you use any variety for any recipe? For example if recipe asks for kidney beans can I use Cherokee trail of tears ? I know flavour and probably texture will differ, but does it really make much difference?

Beans is beans! as you say the flavor and texture may vary. I have kept the seeds from over grown French beans and they were fine. Wait until the pods begin to feel leathery and then lay them out in a single layer in a dry place to finish drying. Shell them and when they are dry and hard pack them. I keep them in paper bags just in case there’s is a bit of humidity left and they are fine

I am assuming you can do the same with runner beans?

I am assuming you can do the same with runner beans?

I hope so that was my plan this year

I am assuming you can do the same with runner beans?

Scarlet dries runner beans, so I’m going with yes   .

I'm planning the same , any older stringy beans are being left as long as possible to dry then remove to dry completely. Usually some get saved for seed if I remember the thy go on the compost

Been doing a bit of reading and it suggests runner and borloti beans are best frozen fresh rather than drying?

With the "freezing fresh" advice, it means you don't have to soak the dried beans before use!

With the "freezing fresh" advice, it means you don't have to soak the dried beans before use!

I had never heard of this method before. Very interesting.

Here's one site that may help......... https://www.garden.eco/freeze-lima-beans