Tag: Heirloom beans

Originating in the American Southwest and known for their resilience, rattlesnake beans are a highly versatile heirloom variety with multiple culinary applications. This guide explores exactly what are rattlesnake beans good for, from their use as tender, fresh snap beans to rich, dried additions for soups.

Originating from the Netherlands as a prized heirloom variety, dragon tongue beans often appear distinct from what we commonly consider a green bean. So, are dragon tongue beans green beans, or are they a different type of vegetable entirely?

A 2024 survey of home gardeners revealed that flavor is the number one priority when selecting bean varieties. So, do pole beans taste as good as bush beans, or is there a noticeable difference? The consensus among experienced growers is that pole beans offer a superior flavor profile, often described as sweeter, more tender, and less prone to becoming tough and chewy. However, modern breeding has produced some outstanding bush bean cultivars that are quickly closing the gap in the flavor race.

Originating in the Netherlands in the 18th century, Dragon Tongue beans are an heirloom variety known for their striking appearance. But beyond their beautiful purple-streaked pods, are Dragon Tongue beans good to eat? The simple answer is yes, with many appreciating their unique flavor and texture.

Did you know that many modern green bean varieties have been bred to be 'stringless' and are often called 'snap beans'? While the main pod is fully edible, the fibrous stem end of green beans is generally discarded for a more pleasant eating experience.

Did you know that despite their distinct names and reputations, the butterbean and lima bean are the same species, *Phaseolus lunatus*? The key differences that lead to confusion are regional naming conventions and the bean's stage of maturity at harvest.

The biggest misconception in the bean world is that lima beans and butter beans are different, when in fact, they are the same legume, just known by different names. In addition to their alter-ego, butter beans have several other lookalikes, including cannellini, great northern, and navy beans.

According to botanists, butter beans and lima beans are from the exact same species, *Phaseolus lunatus*, meaning the 'American version' of butter beans is simply lima beans. The distinction between the two names is primarily geographical and based on the maturity of the bean when harvested. This labeling and culinary tradition varies across different regions of the United States and the United Kingdom.

Native American tribes, including the Abenaki, historically cultivated Yin-Yang beans as part of their 'three sisters' planting system, alongside corn and squash. Also known as Calypso or Orca beans, this heirloom legume is celebrated for its distinctive bicolored black and white pattern and delicious, creamy texture when cooked.

Before European contact, many Native American diets consisted of a vast array of naturally gluten-free foods harvested from the land. These traditional foodways relied on indigenous grains, vegetables, and protein sources, making the question of what Native American foods are gluten-free a compelling exploration for those seeking wholesome, naturally free-from options.