Black Valentine Beans History

Black Valentine Beans are Straight slender dark-green, nearly round pods, stringless at all stages. Strong vigor, good for early spring plantings. Plants are 16-18″ tall. First introduced by seedsman Peter Henderson in 1897 used extensively for canning and shipping. For an extended supply of beans, plant successive sowings every 2-3 weeks. Can also be used as a dry bean. 60-70 days.

Black Valentine Growing Instructions

Mulch soil around bean plants to retain moisture; make sure that it is well-drained. Beans have shallow roots so mulch keeps them cool. Water regularly, about 2 inches per week. If you do not keep beans well watered, they will stop flowering. Water on sunny days so that foliage will not remain soaked, which could encourage disease. If necessary, begin fertilizing after heavy bloom and the set of pods. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizer or you will get lush foliage and few beans. A side dressing of compost or composted manure halfway through the growing season is a good alternative to liquid fertilizer. Weed diligently but carefully to prevent disturbing the shallow root systems of the beans. Click here to learn more.

Preserving And Storing Black Valentine Bush Beans

Select young, tender pods when the seed has just formed.  Wash in cold water, cut into uniform 2- to 4-inch lengths or cut lengthwise into strips for French-style beans. Blanch beans in boiling water for 3 minutes. Cool quickly, drain and package.  If a rigid container is used, leave 1/2–inch headspace.  Seal package, label and freeze. Freeze no more than 1 quart (2 to 3 pounds) of food per cubic foot of freezer space per day.  One cubic foot will hold 30 quarts of food.

Valentine Bean Recipes

There are so many ways to use beans to make a meal. They’re cheap, healthy, and delicious

Bean Nutrition

Beans come in many varieties. They’re packed with protein and fiber while low in fat and calories. In addition, they’re exceptionally high in a wide variety of vitamins and minerals. They may aid weight loss due to their high protein and fiber content, which can keep you feeling full for longer. Beans may help reduce your risk of heart disease by lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation. Studies show that beans can aid people with type 2 diabetes. This is largely due to their high fiber content and low GI.

Other Bean Varieties Worth Checking Out

 Snow Cap

 Arikara