Alubia de Tolosa Bean

(Phaseolus vulgaris); aka Alubias Tolosanas (Beans of Tolosa); Heirloom; a Slow Food Ark of Taste variety; Pole bean; Dry bean; Minimum 20 seeds

An heirloom variety originating in the Basque region of Spain, this bean is a vigorous climber, easily topping an 8 foot trellis. Long stout pods dry down to a tannish yellow with the delightful appearance of strings of little pillows. Each is shelled to reveal 6-8 gorgeously plump, dark, shiny, black beans. The beans play such an essential role in daily Basque culture that they are celebrated regionally each November during the "Week of the Bean" known as the Babarrunaren Astea feast. Additionally, the variety is aboard Slow Food's Ark of Taste, recognized with the prestigous denominación de origin designation. Alubia de Tolosa is very productive in our Michigan garden with over 4 pounds of dry bean harvested from 6 row-feet of trellis.