Buncombe County Greasy Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Greasy beans have the unusual name because the outer shell is shiny and smooth without fuzz on the pods which give them a greasy appearance. Greasy beans originated in the southern Appalachian region and are generally thought to have been developed by Native American people.
Greasy beans are true heirlooms and folks in the southern Appalachian region have been saving seeds of their favorite varieties for generations. There are likely hundreds of sub-varieties of greasy bean and they have historically been an important source of protein and nutrition for mountain folk.
This rare greasy bean variety comes from the Sandymush Community of Northern Buncombe County here in Western North Carolina. The rural mountain community is dotted with farms throughout to coves and hollers where families have farmed for many generations and frequently each family has their own variety of favorite greasy bean.
The Buncombe County, or, Sandymush bean, grows to about 4-6" long and the vines grow up to 10 ft. The beans can be eaten cooked as a green bean or as a dried bean and the seeds range in color from white to tan.
Origin: The Buncombe County Greasy Bean comes to us from friends who farm in the Sandymush Community of Buncombe County, NC. They've grown this bean for many generations on their farm.
(Approximately 20 seeds per packet)
Planting Instructions: Sow 1 seed 1" deep after frost in spring every 4" and trellis. Full sun.
Recipe Ideas:
We like to cut the pods into thirds when the beans plump up and stew them over medium heat for about 20 minutes in stock with garlic and onions. Add a little fat-back or bacon to the pot and enjoy the stewed beans with a nice chunk of cornbread!
