Hidatsa Shield Figure

This bean name comes from the Hidatsa Native Americans of the Missouri River Valley of North Dakota who grow this bean in their three-crop system. This pole-type variety was planted at the base of the corn crop shortly after it emerged from the ground. The corn stocks served as the poles for the bean plants, the beans provided nitrogen for the corn to thrive and a third crop, squash, was planted around the base of the plants; their leaves served as shade and kept the soil moist. Full of heritage and beautiful in color, this bean should be harvested after the pods have dried on the vine. Rich in taste and can be easily substituted in recipes calling for white or pinto beans.