Anasazi Bush Bean Seeds - (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Anasazi Bush Beans - Creamy, Nutty, Sweet, and Unlike Any Bean You've Tasted

We’ve loved this heirloom bush bean for a long time—before we were heirloom seed people. It is delicious and always grows well in our challenging, arid southwest heat. I don’t remember how we came across it, but once we grew it and tasted it cooked as a dry bean, we never looked back. It is dependable and prolific and works well as a snap and shelling bean, but—in our opinion—its true value is once it’s dried and slow-cooked with herbs and spices. Then, it’s out of this world!  

If you think all dry beans taste the same, you’ll be amazed by the Anasazi bush bean. This heirloom bean defies expectations with its velvety texture and rich, nutty flavor, punctuated by a hint of sweetness. Whether you relish them fresh as a snap bean, enjoy them shelled, or treasure them dried, they're a flavor adventure unlike any other. It's time to elevate your bean game and embark on a unique growing experience!

Plant the Anasazi, and you're not just growing a bean—you're connecting with the past while discovering a new flavor.

The compact size and abundant yield make it the perfect choice for small gardens – a powerhouse packing incredible flavor into a compact, easy-to-grow package. It thrives in the sun, a testament to its desert resilience. This bean is perfect for busy gardeners who crave delicious, homegrown food, offering a taste of the past with every bite. 

Details

Anasazi Bush beans offer a combination of beauty and practicality. They are ideal for smaller spaces – they form sturdy, upright bushes that won't sprawl or take over your garden beds. Reaching a manageable height of up to 2 feet, they are suitable for growing in containers on a patio or balcony. 

History

Beans, corn, and squash have been a cornerstone of life throughout the Americas for thousands of years. These humble legumes, a testament to the enduring agricultural practices of multiple cultures, provided a sustainable source of protein and essential nutrients, forming the backbone of countless traditional diets. 

Mesoamerica, stretching from parts of modern-day Mexico through Central America, is the undisputed birthplace of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). It was here, around 8,000 years ago, that humans first domesticated wild bean plants for consumption.  This long history, supported by substantial archaeological evidence, is a testament to the enduring relationship between humans and beans. From this center of origin, beans spread northward into the Southwestern US, leading to the unique Anasazi bean and throughout South America, creating a breathtaking diversity of bean varieties. Genetic studies and archaeological discoveries continue to unveil the fascinating story of how the common bean came to be.

The Anasazi bean, a living testament to the agricultural practices of ancient Pueblo peoples, holds a special place in the history of the Southwest. 

Historians and storytellers share various tales about the rediscovery of the Anasazi bean, with some accounts being more plausible than others. We’ll share the three most familiar stories and scientific germination research into how long a bean remains viable. 

One storyline says archeologists on a dig in Southwestern Colorado in the 1950s found a sealed clay pot filled with assorted beans. Some sprouted, leading to what became known as the Anasazi beans. 

Another variation says that a farmer in the same region found an ancient sealed pot in a canyon filled with a strange variety of beans in the early 1980s. He took it home, planted a handful, and they sprouted, so he grew them out to offer them commercially. 

Another story goes that the first settlers moving into the Southwest Colorado landscape found beans growing wild around the multiple Pueblo ruins, harvested them, and continued cultivating this new type of bean. 

While the legend of centuries-old Anasazi beans sprouting after rediscovery adds to their mystique, it's essential to understand the limitations of seed longevity. While there have been rare instances of ancient seeds germinating, confirmed cases are much younger than the Anasazi legend suggests. For example, legume seeds discovered in adobe bricks from California and Northern Mexico remained viable for approximately 200 years (Börner 2006). This remarkable feat still falls short of the centuries-old claim associated with Anasazi beans. Seeds typically struggle to remain viable for over a century (Bewley and Black 2012).

Uses

The Anasazi bean isn't just a historical curiosity; it's a flavorful treasure. Its creamy texture and nutty flavor, followed by a subtle sweetness, set it apart, making it versatile in the kitchen. Simmer it into rich and flavourful soups or hearty chilis, mash it for a vibrant twist on refried beans, or simply savor it for a satisfying and wholesome side dish.

The beauty of Anasazi beans lies in their versatility – you don't have to wait for the beans to fully mature to enjoy them! While the plants grow, their young pods offer a tender and flavorful snap bean harvest. Enjoy them raw, stir-fried, or lightly steamed for a unique and colorful meal addition. As the pods mature, the beans inside begin to plump up – the perfect time to harvest them as fresh shelling beans. Shell them and savor their fresh, creamy flavor in salads, summer sautés, or as a delightful side dish.

Anasazi beans are ideal for drying and preserving for long-term enjoyment. Fill your pantry with their beautiful speckled bounty, and you'll have a taste of the Southwest to warm your kitchen throughout the colder months.

Companion Planting

The Three Sisters – Anasazi beans thrive in this classic Native American trio: corn supports the beans in climbing, beans fix nitrogen in the soil, and squash shades the ground, keeping it cool and moist.

Four Sisters Bonus – Add sunflowers for extra support and to attract beneficial pollinators, further boosting your garden's productivity.

Antagonists – Avoid planting near garlic, onions, and other allium family members.

Pest and Disease Management

Like any garden plant, heirloom beans aren't immune to challenges. Bean beetles and aphids are among the most common pests you may encounter. Keep them in check by prioritizing natural pest control methods. You can also harness the power of beneficial insects - ladybugs are voracious aphid predators! Invite them into your garden by planting pollinator-friendly flowers.

Humidity can create ideal conditions for fungal diseases. Protect your Anasazi bean plants with good watering practices. Avoid overhead watering, which wets the leaves and creates dampness. Instead, water directly at the base of the plants. Proper spacing between your plants will promote good air circulation and discourage fungal issues.

Planting and Growing Tips

True to their heritage, Anasazi beans thrive in the warmth. For the best results, wait to plant directly outdoors until the soil is warm to your hand and your last expected frost date has passed. If you're eager for an extra-early harvest, give your beans a head start by sowing seeds indoors a few weeks before your last frost date.

Plant your beans where they will get full sun most of the day. The abundant sunshine will encourage vigorous growth and a bountiful harvest, maximizing those beautiful bean colors.

Pay close attention to soil conditions to ensure your Anasazi beans flourish. They perform best in well-drained soil. For heavy or clay soil conditions, raised beds provide optimal drainage and promote healthy root development.

Remember the power of succession planting for a continuous supply of these delicious beans! Instead of planting everything at once, sow new seeds every 2-3 weeks. This will extend your harvest season, giving you a steady stream of fresh Anasazi beans.

Harvest Tips

Anasazi beans offer multiple harvest stages, giving you delicious options throughout their growing cycle! Harvest the pods when young, slender, and tender for a crisp, sweet treat. At this "snap bean" stage, the beans within haven't fully developed, allowing you to enjoy the entire pod.

To experience the full depth of flavor that Anasazi beans are known for, allow some pods to dry thoroughly on the plant. The beans will transform into beautiful speckled treasures. Harvest them once the pods are completely dry and the beans rattle inside. Shell and store your dried Anasazi beans in an airtight container, and they'll provide delicious meals throughout the colder months. 

Learn More

• A Short History of Beans
• Lemony Green Beans
• Young Green Beans with Dijon Vinaigrette

From the soil to the seed to the food you eat - we'll help you grow your best garden!