ALABAMA BLACK EYE BUTTER BEAN

Phaseolus lunatus

An old heirloom pole lima bean preserved in Alabama for generations. Truly delicious and a fantastic selection for hot humid summers.

Phaseolus lunatus is a South American species. The common namesake is the city of Lima in Peru. In the northern United States these beans are found primarily in their immature green form, either fresh or frozen, and are the bane of many a child. In the south, where summers are long and hot, it is the big mature beans that are more often utilized. These are colloquially known as “butter beans".

Butter beans are an incredible vehicle for flavor. Superior in many ways to potatoes and tofu in the vegetarian kitchen. Fresh shelled mature beans may be blanched for 5-10 minutes before cooking slowly over low heat in a simple salty stock of onions and herbs and butter for a silky soup or salad. Dried beans should be soaked overnight and boiled and rinsed before cooking in seasoned stock with fat over very low heat. The absolute most gentle simmer is what you want, as vigorous cooking will turn these beans to mush.

These plants prefer lots of heat in full sun. Vines are vigorous and long and will overgrow even a 9' teepee in a good hot summer. Very late to mature in the north, but perfectly reliable in the south. Worth trying in the Midwest, where beans can be started in deep pots indoors and transplanted into the garden after the last spring frost. Productive, and sufficient for harvests of both immature green lima beans and mature butter beans. Harvest vines with mature pods to dry indoors if frost or cold wet weather threatens.

Packet contains at least 30 seeds.