I decided to cook some beans from the garden (not exactly sure which exact variety of yellow wax bean) and it turned the water pink? Any clue what's going on?
IMO this color change is likely caused by anthocyanin pigments, which can be water-soluble and leach into the cooking water, coloring it pink or red.
OoPATHF1ND3RoO
Your pot is trying to tell you that it’s angry you pulled it out to cook 7 beans 😤
SunshineBeamer
Did you spray the plants with anything? I’ve never seen anything like this.
EarthenMama
Just in case this is your first time harvesting beans from your garden, I want to let you know that it appears that at least some of them were picked too late and will be woody/stringy. I don’t want you to be disappointed! Pick early; pick often 🙂
As for the pink? No idea…
ginwithtonic
Are you on well water?
Zaphod-Beeblebrox-53
I’m guessing it’s some kind of chemical reaction with the metal pot. I’ve done something similar with grated onions (they turned blue!)
You have piqued my curiosity. A cursory search says that it is due to the chemicals found on their skin (proanthocyanidin). Can’t verify with a better [source](https://www.curiouscook.com/site/beans/) but it’s something.
iamnotroalddahl
Anthocyanin being released in high quantities! It can happen when nightshades and other vegetables (including beans) are overripe and then cooked at a high temp. Soak them in ice water for 20 mins pre-boil next time to prevent
Cynnissa
This happens with my bush beans I grew this year – the water turns red. I haven’t sprayed anything on the plants or added anything to the cooking water.
12 Comments
IMO this color change is likely caused by anthocyanin pigments, which can be water-soluble and leach into the cooking water, coloring it pink or red.
Your pot is trying to tell you that it’s angry you pulled it out to cook 7 beans 😤
Did you spray the plants with anything? I’ve never seen anything like this.
Just in case this is your first time harvesting beans from your garden, I want to let you know that it appears that at least some of them were picked too late and will be woody/stringy. I don’t want you to be disappointed! Pick early; pick often 🙂
As for the pink? No idea…
Are you on well water?
I’m guessing it’s some kind of chemical reaction with the metal pot. I’ve done something similar with grated onions (they turned blue!)
Never heard of that before, but this site says it is because of anthocyanins: https://www.answers.com/food-ec/Why_does_the_water_turn_red_when_boiling_green_or_yellow_wax_beans_and_is_it_dangerous
Try to steam it
You have piqued my curiosity. A cursory search says that it is due to the chemicals found on their skin (proanthocyanidin). Can’t verify with a better [source](https://www.curiouscook.com/site/beans/) but it’s something.
Anthocyanin being released in high quantities! It can happen when nightshades and other vegetables (including beans) are overripe and then cooked at a high temp. Soak them in ice water for 20 mins pre-boil next time to prevent
This happens with my bush beans I grew this year – the water turns red. I haven’t sprayed anything on the plants or added anything to the cooking water.
i love this post lol, just cooking up 7 beans 😭😂