Vermont Cranberry Bean (Bush) | 20 Seeds

Classification: Phaseolus vulgaris (Heirloom) Type: Borlotti | Bush Habit Provenance: New England (Pre-1800s) Texture: Creamy | Nutty

The canned bean is a textureless disappointment. The Vermont Cranberry Bean is a revelation.

A staple of the New England larder since before the 19th century, this heirloom (often called the Borlotti) is the definition of hearty. It produces pods of striking beauty—cream-colored with crimson streaks—that hide a seed of equal complexity.

When cooked, it does not disintegrate into mush. It maintains its structural integrity while developing a texture so rich and creamy it is often compared to butter. It offers a nutty, savory depth that can anchor a stew or stand entirely on its own with nothing more than olive oil and sage.

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The Curator’s Notes:

• The Dual Harvest: This bean respects your schedule. Harvest it early (around 70 days) as a fresh shelling bean for a tender, succulent treat. Or, leave it on the plant (95 days) to dry into a hardy storage bean that will see you through the harshest winter.
• Architectural Independence: Unlike pole beans that demand elaborate trellising and constant supervision, this is a "Bush" variety. It is self-supporting, growing in a compact habit that requires zero infrastructure.
• Visual Rusticism: The speckled, mottled appearance of the bean is aesthetically perfect. It looks like it belongs in a copper pot on a wood-burning stove.
• The Flavor Profile: It possesses a density that commercial beans lack. It is substantial enough to replace meat in a meal without anyone feeling shortchanged.