Aunt Lear

Pole bean, moderate climber. Green stems and leaves. White flowers. Pods green when flat, yellow with a red blush at shelling stage, leathery-podded when dry. Pods are pear-shaped in cross section, slightly curved, with medium, upward curving beaks. Mature pods 4-5" long, 0.5-0.6" wide. Strong constriction between seeds. Good flavor and tenderness as a flat pod. Tough and fibrous when fully expanded. Shells very easily. Standard flavor and texture as a shelling bean. 4-7 seeds per pod. Tan seeds. Dry beans have a mild flavor and meaty texture. Mid-season maturity when grown in 2013 at Heritage Farm. This variety was donated to SSE by member Wilbur Willoughby (KY WI W) who received the beans in 1985 from Aunt May (1893-1990). It was originally given to May as a wedding gift in November 1913 from Aunt Lear at Tousey, Kentucky. SSE Accession # 105517