Produce Briefs...
Fingerling Russian Banana Potatoes
Although very petit in size, fingerlings are fully mature when harvested, thus they should not to be confused with new potatoes, potatoes that are harvested when immature.
White Corn
White corn is a sweet corn variety. Its ears are wrapped in tightly layered pale lime green to white husks. One ear of corn can contain up to 400 kernels growing in rows lengthwise.
Grower
Seasons/Availability
Calypso shelling beans are available in summer and fall. Look for them at your local farmers market.
Current Facts
There are several varieties of Calypso beans: red, black and white, butterscotch, Steuben yellow-eye (and probably more). One definitive shared characteristic is that these beans retain their color once cooked.
Description/Taste
Calypso shelling beans have characteristic ying yang-like spots. Cooked Calypso beans have a velvety smooth thin, creamy plump texture and mellow flavor.
Applications
Cooked in a clay pot, really good shelling beans need nothing more than water and mirepoix to bring out their true flavors. They can be cooked vegetarian (ie: no ham hocks, etc) as the earthenware method proves such great-tasting savory results. Also, if they are a true heirloom variety, chances are they come from a shorter supply chain (probably found at the farmers market directly from the grower), meaning the beans a likely to be a lot fresher than those you find at larger supermarkets.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
This bean is often referred to as Ying Yang, as its two-tone coloration is said to resemble the Chinese symbol for harmony.
Geography/History
The original cultivar of the Calypso bean is at least 400 years old.
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Seasons/Availability
Calypso shelling beans are available in summer and fall. Look for them at your local farmers market.
Current Facts
There are several varieties of Calypso beans: red, black and white, butterscotch, Steuben yellow-eye (and probably more). One definitive shared characteristic is that these beans retain their color once cooked.
Description/Taste
Calypso shelling beans have characteristic ying yang-like spots. Cooked Calypso beans have a velvety smooth thin, creamy plump texture and mellow flavor.
Applications
Cooked in a clay pot, really good shelling beans need nothing more than water and mirepoix to bring out their true flavors. They can be cooked vegetarian (ie: no ham hocks, etc) as the earthenware method proves such great-tasting savory results. Also, if they are a true heirloom variety, chances are they come from a shorter supply chain (probably found at the farmers market directly from the grower), meaning the beans a likely to be a lot fresher than those you find at larger supermarkets.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
This bean is often referred to as Ying Yang, as its two-tone coloration is said to resemble the Chinese symbol for harmony.
Geography/History
The original cultivar of the Calypso bean is at least 400 years old.
