The pretty patterned pods of Rattlesnake pole beans make delicious fresh snap beans. Or let the seeds mature and dry in the pods, then shell them for nutty-tasting and nutritious dried bean dishes. Distinctive purple pole beans are renowned for flavor and reliability, offering long, tender, crunchy pods whose rich color stands out from the vines so they are fun and easy to harvest. Both of these treasured heirloom beans have been passed down among generations of gardeners.