Wing beans are the seedpod of a decorative vine that is native to Southeast Asia. The vine’s decorative flowers range in color from white through vivid blue. The bean itself is almost always green, though a few varieties are pink, purple, or red. The bean can reach a length of 4 inches and has an unusual appearance for a bean. Winged beans are block-shaped and feature four frilly ‘wings’, one on each edge. The center of the bean contains tiny, black, edible seeds. Popular for both their unique appearance and their crisp texture, winged beans are most often found in stir-fries. In Thai dishes, wing beans are also found in salads or served with nam prik, a Thai relish.