Grower
Seasons/Availability
Coco Shelling Beans are available June into August.
Current Facts
Unlike dried beans which are readily available, many fresh shelling beans are difficult to find due to seasonality and growing regions. Peas, beans and lentils are referred to as pulses and offer a variety of textures and flavors.
Description/Taste
Coco shelling beans offer a mild somewhat sweet flavor. Black in color and measuring just about three-eighths inch in length, its firm texture is succulent and smooth.
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. These particular beans and red kidney beans have higher levels of the toxin that humans cannot digest. NOTE: It is very important not to eat this bean raw. 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
Cooked coco shelling beans love to be a tasty part of mixed vegetable soups, rice dishes, hot dishes, crock pot creations, casseroles and stews. These beans pair deliciously with pasta. 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 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 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
Also known as coco blanc beans, French cuisine favors coco beans for making cassoulet, pronounced "cass-ooh-lay", a hearty French stew. Languedoc, a region of southern France, is credited for the cassoulet's origin and was named for the village of Cassol d'Issel. This village made the special clay pots that cassoulets were traditionally cooked in which usually took several hours of preparation. Today cassoulet is popular in many regions of France. Most cassoulet recipes require rather unusual meats such as lamb shoulder, pork and goose plus other unique meats.
Geography/History
Locally available from McGrath Family Farms in Camarillo, California, McGrath Family Farms has been growing exceptional produce since 1972. One hundred percent organic, this successful farm grows fifty to sixty-five different produce items on its thirty-five to fifty-four acres of fertile land. Specialty Produce enthusiastically endorses and adamantly promotes our local California growers, ranchers, farmers and the California farming industry.
Featured Recipes
Recipes that include Coco Shelling Beans. One
is easiest, three is harder.
