Christmas Lima Bean

(Phaseolus lunatus); aka Giant Butter, Giant Florida Pole; a Slow Food Ark of Taste variety; Pole bean; Dual use: shelly or dry; Minimum 20 seeds

Large, meaty, nutty sweet, it's no wonder Christmas Limas are aboard Slow Food's Ark of Taste. Cherished in the south, first mention of these culinary treasures is in the 1840s. The 10 foot vines do well for us despite extremes in heat and water stress. The burgundy pattern of the dry bean keeps through cooking. A delicious essential pantry staple -  a huge shout-out of thanks to Allen M. of Saline for suggesting I grow these again.