shell bean

noun

1. any of various kinds of bean of which the unripe seeds are removed from the pods before cooking.
2. the seed itself.

shell bean

noun

1. any of various bean plants that are cultivated for their edible seeds rather than for their pods

Word History and Origins

Origin of shell bean¹

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70

Example Sentences

I subbed fresh shell beans for the Marinated Chickpea Salad with Lemon and Swiss Chard and ended up with a dish somehow even better after a day in the fridge.

From Seattle Times

What splendid beauties they all are, the many varieties of fresh shell beans, both in their pods and out.

From New York Times

If we're talking shell beans, like favas, it's it's best to shell them before freezing, but even those beans will benefit from an initial freeze on a sheet tray before freezing together.

From Salon

But there were also failures: fava beans, edamame, shell beans, artichokes, peaches, plums, cherries - none worked out.

From Washington Times

Late-summer produce to dry/dehydrate: apples, cherries, corn, figs, grapes, hot and sweet peppers, mushrooms, okra, peaches, pears, plums, shell beans, smaller tomatoes.

From Washington Times