Beans!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rogersmith/

…look like local mammals!

Scientists and farmers are working together to see if Orca beans grow as well in Whatcom County as Orca

whales do.

Credit: http://allotmentplanplotplatter.blogspot.com/2012/09/growing-and-using-beans-for-winter-use.html

Credit: http://swimmingfree.wordpress.com/2011/11/09/fin-collapse-in-killer-whales/

Some local beans…

Beans belong in the legume family. Most beans are either shell beans or snap beans. In summer we can harvest the

“snap beans” (like green beans and pea pods) fresh off the vine, eating the pea and the pod all together. Then there are “shell beans” which we harvest once the pod turns brown &

dry and the beans are hard. These beans come in many beautiful types and colors and need to be cooked to eat.

Pole beans can

grow along stakes &

make a great tent

for summer days!

Credit: http://www.veggiegardeningtips.com/royalty-purple-pod-beans/royalty-purple-pod-beans/

Credit:

http://joyfultoddlers.blogspot.com/2011/

06/time-to-play-outside.html

What makes beans so yummy?

Protein and fiber! Beans are known for giving us a LOT of energy. The protein in beans is similar to the protein

in meat, but with beans you get extra fiber and the antioxidents called phytochemicals that only grow in

plant-based foods.

Look!

You can

eat a

rainbow

of beans!

Credit: www.aicr.org

Kids all over Whatcom County are enjoying dried beans for Harvest of the

Month.

These kids are holding dried beans at the Blaine Farmers’ Market, June 2013!

Photo credit: Mardi Solomon

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