Purple Beans

DAYS TO SPROUT

DAYS TO
SPROUT

10-14 days

MATURES IN

MATURES
IN

50-75 days

TASTE IT FOR

TASTE IT
FOR

8-10 weeks

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Care & Harvest

Purple Beans should be thinned to one plant per yCube. Since Purple Beans have a robust root system, we suggest checking the roots monthly and trimming any that are brown or extending past the yPod. Though this is a compact plant it may require support as it matures. We suggest using our Plant Belt to support the plant and its fruit.
Purple Beans need minimal pruning, snip any yellow or brown leaves if they appear. Flowers should develop in 4-6 weeks after sprouting. When they appear, help the plant with pollination by gently shaking the plant by hand replicating the effects of wind or gently disturb the inside of the blossom with your finger, or a small brush.
To harvest Purple Beans, wait until it produces fleshy round pods that are about 5 inches long and generally as thick as a pencil. Snip the pods at the stem before they are fully mature and while they are still tender, usually 1-2 weeks after flowering. This variety of bush bean produces most of its fruit at once, but the plant will keep producing if harvested regularly.

Quick Facts

ORIGIN

Just like Green Beans, Purple Beans are native to Central and South America. This particular cultivar is considered an heirloom variety and was first bred in 1957.

QUALITIES

The dark purple pods are not only beautiful, but they also taste delicious and are stringless and tender. Their purple color comes from a pigment called anthocyanin which also has antioxidant effects. The color produced by anthocyanin can range from red to blue depending on acidity levels. Cooking affects acidity and also degrades the pigment resulting in a green colored bean!

USE

To preserve their beautiful purple shade, enjoy these Beans raw as a snack or in salads. They can also be used in any recipe that calls for Green Beans. You can reduce the color change by soaking the beans in vinegar or lemon juice prior to cooking.

Harvest to Plate Recipe

How To Cook Purple Beans

I Heart Vegetables

INGREDIENTS

6 cups green beans
2 tbsp. olive oil
1/3 cup water
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

Wash your beans then snap the ends off of all the beans. You are taking off about 1/4-1/2 inch depending on how long the skinny tales are. Discard the ends.
Heat the olive oil and water a heavy bottom, large pan or dutch oven over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the green beans. Stir to coat.
Let them sit for 5 minutes or so. You should start to hear them pop. When you hear some popping, stir, then cover the pot and let them cook for 5-7 more minutes.
Uncover, check doneness (the longer they cook, they less crisp they are).
Sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Serve warm and try not to eat all of them as you bring them to the table.