Cherokee Trail of Tears is a remarkable heritage climbing bean with both an excellent flavour and an important history. Vigorous and productive, the plants produce attractive green pods which develop a purple flush as they mature, eventually revealing beautiful, glossy black beans. The young pods can be eaten fresh as green beans, while the mature beans can be dried and stored for use in soups, stews and other dishes.
The variety takes its name from the forced removal of the Cherokee people from their ancestral homelands in the south-eastern United States to what is now Oklahoma in 1838–39, a journey that became known as the Trail of Tears and during which thousands of Cherokee people died. According to the history passed down with this seed, Cherokee families carried beans with them during the forced migration, preserving an important food crop despite the terrible circumstances. The variety was preserved for generations by the family of seed saver Dr John Wyche of Oklahoma.
Sow from late April to June, once the soil has warmed and the danger of frost has passed. Alternatively, start seeds individually in pots under cover from April and plant out after the last frost. Provide sturdy canes or other support for the vigorous climbing plants.
30 seeds per packet.
Annual.
Height: approximately 1.8–2.4m.
Position: Full sun.
Harvest: July to October.
Type: Heritage climbing / pole bean.
Excellent for: Eating as a young green bean, drying for winter use, seed saving and growing a variety with an extraordinary cultural history.
Cherokee Trail of Tears is a remarkable heritage climbing bean with both an excellent flavour and an important history. Vigorous and productive, the plants produce attractive green pods which develop a purple flush as they mature, eventually revealing beautiful, glossy black beans. The young pods can be eaten fresh as green beans, while the mature beans can be dried and stored for use in soups, stews and other dishes.
The variety takes its name from the forced removal of the Cherokee people from their ancestral homelands in the south-eastern United States to what is now Oklahoma in 1838–39, a journey that became known as the Trail of Tears and during which thousands of Cherokee people died. According to the history passed down with this seed, Cherokee families carried beans with them during the forced migration, preserving an important food crop despite the terrible circumstances. The variety was preserved for generations by the family of seed saver Dr John Wyche of Oklahoma.
Sow from late April to June, once the soil has warmed and the danger of frost has passed. Alternatively, start seeds individually in pots under cover from April and plant out after the last frost. Provide sturdy canes or other support for the vigorous climbing plants.
30 seeds per packet.
Annual.
Height: approximately 1.8–2.4m.
Position: Full sun.
Harvest: July to October.
Type: Heritage climbing / pole bean.
Excellent for: Eating as a young green bean, drying for winter use, seed saving and growing a variety with an extraordinary cultural history.
