Grower
Seasons/Availability
Black Turtle Shelling Beans are available July to September.
Current Facts
Many fresh shelling beans are difficult to find due to seasonality and growing regions, unlike dried beans which are readily available. Peas, beans and lentils are referred to as pulses and offer a variety of textures and flavors.
Description/Taste
Black Turtle shelling beans offer a dense texture and a wonderful earthy mushroom-like flavor. This bean is the very same popular black bean that is available canned or dried. Immature shelling bean pods tend to be smaller, causing the beans inside to sometimes taste too starchy or have a mealy texture. To shell, press on the pod's inside curve; split open and remove beans.
Nutritional Value
Shelling beans must be cooked and should not be eaten raw as the human body cannot digest the raw beans. Heat and cooking only deactivates the toxin present in the raw beans and does not break it down. However, the deactivated toxin passes through our bodies and is not harmful. Eating five daily servings of vegetables and fruit lowers the chances of getting cancer. A recent study found that eating nine or ten daily servings of vegetables and fruit, combined with three servings of low-fat dairy products, were effective in lowering blood pressure.
Applications
This meaty bean is especially a favorite of vegetarians. Ideal for scrumptious black bean burritos. Loves to be flavor-enhanced with fresh herbs. Pairs well with roasted meats and mushrooms. Great in soups, stews, casseroles and crock pot recipes. Chilled cooked beans add flavor and texture to a variety of salads, dips and spreads. Ideal side dish sprinkled with favorite seasonings or simply drizzled with melted butter. To prepare, remove beans from pods; discard pods; soak beans only briefly in water, not overnight like dried beans; drain; cover with salted water; cook until tender, about fifteen to twenty minutes; drain. Braising is the preferred method for bringing out best flavor and texture. Braise in salted water, chicken stock or vegetable stock until tender or until liquid is absorbed. Use as desired. NOTE: Never cook raw beans and pulses in a slow cooker. Always soak dried beans overnight or at least 8 hours; drain; cook in fresh water or stock until tender before adding to a slow cooker. Fresh shelling beans must be pre-cooked before adding to a slow cooker as well. To store, refrigerate fresh shelling beans in a perforated plastic bag to allow airflow. For optimum quality, use within one week. Pods may begin to turn black or develop spotting but the beans inside will not be affected.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Latin America and Brazilian cuisine especially favor Black Turtle shelling beans and include it in many of their traditional dishes.
Geography/History
Certified Organic, Black Turtle shelling beans are locally grown at McGrath Family Farms located at Camarillo, California. Producing inedible pods, black turtle shelling beans are defined as mature beans that are harvested from the plant before the beans dry and harden. At harvest, the stage of the bean is revealed by the pod. A bulging pod indicates large, mature beans inside and are much easier to shuck. If the pod appears to be shriveled, it is overly mature. Very close to its dried stage, the beans inside the pod will have a much firmer texture. Edible pod beans, such as French beans are bred for their flavorful and tender pods, while shelling beans are bred for the flavorful and tender beans inside the pod. Black turtle beans are a favorite of Latin America and Brazil cuisine.
