Shell beans in Suzanne Goin recipes

Cooks Thesaurus states: "


cranberry bean = borlotti bean = saluggia = shell bean = salugia bean = crab eye bean = rosecoco bean = Roman bean = fagiolo romano Notes: These have an excellent, nutty flavor, and are commonly used in Italian soups and stews. Substitutes: fresh cranberry bean OR tongues of fire beans (very similar) OR cannellini bean OR Great Northern bean OR pinto bean OR chili bean."

"Shell Beans" are also known as cranberry beans. Their formal name is probably Borlotti Beans. They are a white bean speckled with red. VERY tasty beans! I like to make Pasta Fagiole with them.

Shell beans are still in their 'shells' (dried pods)- in other words, a recent harvest. The pod is dry but the bean is plump and moist, and less cooking required. A real treat, usually only available from a farmer who grows them.

I'm not familiar with the book but I believe she's talking about a general class of beans with shells. You might enjoy reading this article from Mother Earth News about growing shell beans
http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/grow-shell-beans-zmaz89ndzshe.aspx