Organic Hidatsa Shield Figure Bean
$11.95
The Organic Heirloom Hidatsa Shield Figure Beans from Blue House Farm are a wonderfully creamy and delicious heirloom bean with thin skins that retain their coloring after cooking for stunning soups and so much more. They are a nod to ancient agricultural traditions, named for the Hidatsa people of the Missouri River Valley in North Dakota. These large, white beans with speckled orange and maroon saddles resemble a shield, giving them their unique name. As one of five dry bean varieties cultivated by the Hidatsa, the Shield Figure bean is a unique find, earning a place on the Slow Food Ark of Taste in 2005. Although popular in home gardens because it's so darn prolific, it is not grown on large farms due to the difficulty of harvesting the vigorous pole bean on a commercial scale.
Cultivated on a small family farm with a commitment to sustainable farming, these beans bring a taste of history and quality to your table.
With a firm, meaty texture and mild, slightly nutty flavor, Hidatsa Shield Figure beans are versatile and delicious in a variety of dishes:
- Great for hearty stews, soups, and casseroles
- Perfect in grain bowls, salads, or dips
- A fantastic plant-based protein for chili or braised dishes
ABOUT THE HIDATSA TRIBE
The Hidatsa tribe, originally from the Missouri River Valley in present-day North Dakota, have a rich history as skilled agriculturalists and traders. Alongside the Mandan and Arikara tribes, they formed the Three Affiliated Tribes. The Hidatsa were known for their cultivation of corn, beans, squash, and sunflowers, using a sophisticated farming system that sustained their communities for centuries. They lived in semi-permanent earth lodges and were integral to the trading networks along the upper Missouri River. In the 19th century, like many Native American tribes, the Hidatsa faced devastating impacts from disease, displacement, and forced relocations. Today, many Hidatsa people reside on the Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota, where they continue to preserve their cultural traditions and agricultural heritage while adapting to modern challenges. The Hidatsa, Mandan, and Arikara maintain a vibrant community, working to revitalize their language, culture, and land stewardship practices.
ABOUT BLUE HOUSE FARM
Blue House Farm grows drop dead gorgeous beans from the gorgeous, fertile land in Pescadero and San Gregorio, California. Ryan Casey became interested in farming in college while taking agriculture courses. After completing an apprenticeship at the Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems and working on several farms, he decided to start an organic farm. The farm started in 2005 on 2 acres and has steadily grown to over 75 acres in production. Farming in two different microclimates allows Blue House Farm to grow over 50 types of certified organic farm products. Among the lettuce, tomatoes, herbs and peppers Blue House Farm grows excellent organic beans.