Matthews Eastern Shore

Pole lima. A favorite of several staff members. Recommended as a green lima. Green limas have a mild flavor with subtle citrus undertones. Texture is smooth and creamy. Dry beans not as flavorful and are somewhat bland. Requires a longer growing season. Climbs vigorously. Medium-sized pods are slightly curved. Pods reach 2.6-3.3" long by 0.6-0.8" wide. 2-3 seeds per pod; 3 is most common. Average productivity when grown in 2014 at Heritage Farm. Shattering dry pods. Small white seeds. Donated to SSE by Joel Simpson of Virginia who received this variety circa 1990 from Mr. & Mrs. Estelle and Annie Bagwell. This variety has an extended history on the Delmarva Peninsula (aka the Eastern Shore). The Bagwell's had grown it near Bloxom, VA since the 1940s when they obtained seeds from the Matthews family of Modest Town, VA. It's believed that the Matthews family grew it since the 1930s or earlier. SSE Accession # 131767