Black Turtle Beans

Very closely related to Dwarf French Beans or Ground Beans, Black Turtle Beans have been grown in Latin America for over 7000 years and are more or  less a 'staple'; Frijoles Negros or Black Bean Burritos are possibly their most popular uses - we particularly like to make a version of refried beans with them which really emphasises their lovely rich flavour.

The dense and meaty flesh of these beans also make them perfect for as a meat substitute in vegetarian burgers or similar. But the versatility does not stop there, as the water they are boiled in before use takes on a rich purple-black colour making it a great base (both in flavour and colour) for soups and broths.

And as they're high in anthocyanins Black Turtle Beans have also been promoted as a 'Super Veg'.

You grow them as you would Dwarf French Beans, but instead of harvesting and eating fresh (you can) it is best to simply let the pods dry before shucking them to give you a crop of beans that will last a year or so - these are a store cupboard essential! Should you decide to harvest and eat as you would French Beans please note that they do not take on their full colour until they are dried.

For Growing Outside

• Sow mid April to mid July 3" (7.5 cm) apart in rows 18" (45 cm) apart
• Sow in 2" (5 cm) deep drills.
• Whilst there is no need to provide any support whatsoever, if you use pea sticks or similar to a height of a couple of feet (60cm) the crop will be kept off the ground, stay cleaner and be easier to pick.

For Growing Under Protection

• Sow March to May 3" (7.5 cm) apart in rows 18" (45 cm) apart.
• Sow in 2" (5 cm) deep drills.
• You can also grow in large tubs or pots.
• Whilst there is no need to provide any support whatsoever, if you use pea sticks or similar to a height of a couple of feet (60cm) the crop will be kept off the ground, stay cleaner and be easier to pick.

Top Tips

• These thrive in warm conditions and so are an ideal crop to grow under protection - greenhouse or polytunnel.
• Whilst they will prove drought-tolerant, good watering from flowering time onwards will ensure maximum pod development.
• Mulch around the stems in early summer.
• Allowing the pods to dry on the plant before picking and shucking will ensure the largest and darkest beans.
• For late crops they can be harvested and final-dried in a dehydrator to maximise storage life.
• Should you decide to harvest and eat as you would French Beans please note that they do not take on their full colour until they are dried.