Vigna unguiculata
DESCRIPTION
These might look like small “black beans” to you, but they are not the same species as the common bean. These are cowpeas, related to black-eyed-peas and Asian long beans. The vines are vigorous crawlers that benefit from trellising. These are prolific, with a lot of protein grown in a small space. Since they are nitrogen-fixing legumes, they are also improving your soil as they grow.
PROVENANCE
This is rare seed that comes to us from Chris Hoetschl in Oshkosh. He’s one of the few people in the country/world who has been maintaining this seed.
GROWING RECOMMENDATIONS
Plant 1/2 to 1 inch deep directly in garden soil in mid-June. If it is a cool year, delay a bit because these need warm soil to germinate.
SEED SAVING
To avoid crossing with another variety of cowpea/longbean, plants need to be 50 feet away from another variety of the same species. For more on legume species, see our guide. It couldn’t be easier! Just let the beans dry in the pods. Seed will be viable for several years if kept dry and cool/room temperature, but seed can also be frozen for longer-term storage.
CULINARY USE
Use as you would any dry bean. Since they are small, they cook up fast and don’t necessarily require soaking prior to cooking.
PRESERVING YOUR HARVEST
After the beans dry in the pods, shell, and store in tightly sealed jars when completely dry.