Kesterson

Pole, snap bean. Pods have excellent texture and good flavor, but are also slightly astringent. Green beans are long, round, and hooked like a "J". Pods measure 7-8" long, 0.5" wide and contain 5-9 seeds. Seeds are dark tan. Can be hard seeded. Nice texture, standard flavor as a dry bean. Plants are strong climbers. White flowers. Medium productivity when grown in 2016 at Heritage Farm. Mid-season maturing. This variety was donated to SSE by Gene Mallette (IA MA G) of Atlantic, IA. He received it from his son in Arkansas, who got the beans from Mr. Kesterson, an acquaintance. Mr. Kesterson said that this bean helped keep his family going during the Great Depression. They grew it in large quantities and then traded beans for the items and supplies they needed. SSE Accession # 105292