A shelling bean is any bean that is grown primarily for the edible seed inside. Most often the pod is not eaten, because it is tough and stringy (unlike snap beans, which are eaten for the pod, with the bean inside barely developed). Most of the shelling bean crops are harvested when the pods and beans inside are dry, just before the pod shatters.

Dixie butter shelling beans produce a pod similar to lima beans. The beans inside each pod are characteristically speckled with pink streaks or dots, similar in appearance to that of cranberry beans. The texture of the bean is smooth and creamy.

Serving Ideas

Although their color fades somewhat when cooked, the less time it takes to reach a tender texture, the more color is retained. This bean has a close affinity with butter.

Seasons/Availability

Dixie butter shelling beans are available mid summer until early fall. Look for dixie butter shelling beans at your local farmers market.