Hank's Xtra Special Baking Bean

Phaseolus vulgaris

A regional heirloom from Ghent, New York.

A few years ago, there were only a few pounds of this bean in existence. A creamy legume selected and beloved by Hank Losee, a gardener in Ghent, New York, the bean was rediscovered by his daughter Peg and has now made a grand comeback, even landing in the pages of The New Yorker, thanks to a unique collaboration across the Hudson Valley, one that brought together Glynwood, the Hudson Valley Seed Company, and Hudson Valley chefs and farmers. This work ensured that Hank's Xtra Special Baking Bean made it into the Slow Foods USA Ark of Taste, a catalog of delicious foods in danger of extinction. By promoting, sowing, and growing these delicious cultivars, we help to ensure they remain in production and on our plates.

from $3.99

This item is currently out of stock, but that doesn't mean it's gone for the season.
UnitPriceQuantityAvailability
Art Pack / 25 seeds $4.79 Out of Stock
25 Seeds $3.99 Out of Stock
150 Seeds $7.99 Out of Stock
450 Seeds $15.49 Out of Stock

Direct sow bean seeds 3-4" apart in the row around the 3rd week of May. Bush beans begin to bear in about 50 days, and their crop is produced in one brief burst lasting about 2 weeks; succession sow every 2-3 weeks for the first half of the season. Let the plant mature; pods will dry on the plant towards the end of summer. Harvest when pods are yellow-brown and have just begun to dry, but be sure to harvest before the pods begin to shatter open. Seeds inside should be white in color. Pull the plants up by the roots and allow to air dry under cover if prolonged wet or cold weather sets in early. Once fully dry, shake plants back and forth within a plastic garbage can; the beans will release from their pods and settle in the bottom of the pail. To cook, soak at least six hours and then boil until tender.

Days to Germination 3-10 days
Days to Maturity 98 days
Planting Depth 1"
Spacing in Row 4-8"
Spacing Between Rows 18-24"
Height at Maturity 18"
Sun Preference Full Sun

Janice Fried is a mixed media artist from a family full of artists and creators. She uses fabric and quilting to highlight elements of love, community and revival in this story about Hank's beans.

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