Parson

Bush bean, 6-11" tall. Green stems and leaves. White flowers. Pods green when flat, yellow at shelling stage, shattering-type when dry. Pods are pear-shaped in cross-section, straight to slightly curved, with medium, upward-pointing beaks. Mature pods 3-4.5" long, 0.5-0.6" wide. Not a snap bean. Bland flavor as a shelling bean. 2-4 seeds per pod. Seeds kidney shaped, large, mostly white with dark brown pattern on dorsal side. Dry beans have a mild flavor and grainy texture. Early maturity when grown in 2013 at Heritage Farm. Donated to SSE by the late Gene Mallette (IA MA G) who received the variety from his son, Allen. Allen got the beans from a Parson family descendant in Lockesburg, Arkansas who stated the variety was originally brought to Arkansas from Georgia in the 1860s. Used by Mallette as a shelling bean or a dry bean. SSE Accession # 104232