These Beans

I’m sure at one point we were talking about other things related to food and babies and agrarianism and sustainability. And I’m sure it was all very pertinent at the time.

But right now I think there’s nothing more exciting going on than beans. I’m not canning jar after jar and we’re not bringing in huge basket loads. For now, we’re more of an eat ’em as you get ’em til you can’t take it anymore kind of family.

We planted a handful of varieties of legumes in various stages of craptacular soil and I’ll be a monkey’s uncle if beans aren’t the most impressive thing coming from the gardens this year.

First up is that little red-seeded asparagus bean there. True to form, when you crack open the pods you find these beautiful red beans. They were planted in hard clay with little if any amendments added and for the number of plants and the health of the soil, these long beans put out quite an exciting number of pods.

But most definitely the most exciting, fantastic, miraculous thing happening are the black eyed peas. Most specifically the ones Stewart planted in our baby food forest on soil that could only be described as the face of the moon.

No, really.

To be fair, he employed a spectacular planting design that you’ll hear more about in the future, but the number of beans coming from these plants is nothing less than stunning. Again, with little amendments added to the face of the moon soil.

Of course these are the beans I don’t currently have a picture for, but let me tell you why, along with the red seeded asparagus, these beans made the cut for next years much-expanded planting. First of all the sheer number of fresh green beans we’re eating from them, along with the ones that will become dried beans (and next year’s seed!)because I couldn’t get to them in time, is enormous for our standards.

Second of all they’re delicious. Now, I’ve heard folks say they don’t really like black eyed peas and therefore won’t grow them. But I’ll tell you what, if those beans tasted like fried rubber tires I’d eat ’em, because they’re nutritious, packed with protein, and are actually producing.

The beans, not the tires.

Honestly, though, they are really tasty. Stewart and the boys love them raw and snack on them whenever I come in with a bunch. They make a tasty fresh green bean on their own or in numerous dishes. Green bean fried rice anyone?

And, I’m not gonna’ lie, they’re a breeze to pick compared to the bush beans which are no friend to this pregnant mama’s back.

So, yeah, there are probably some super important things going on in the world, but right now I’m just really excited about beans.