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Blue Lake Beans
Inventory, 25 lbs : 12.90
This item was last sold on : 02/06/23
Description/Taste
Blue Lake beans are slender, elongated pods, averaging 14 to 18 centimeters in length, and are generally straight, tapering slightly to pointed ends. The green pods are smooth, plump, firm, and stringless, encasing tiny pale green to white edible seeds. Blue Lake beans also have a crisp, succulent, and crunchy, snap-like consistency when raw with a fresh, green flavor. When cooked, the pods soften, developing a milder flavor with grassy, vegetal, and sweet undertones. It is important to note that Blue Lake beans can be found in both pole and bush varieties, and each type may differ in appearance and flavor. Pole Blue Lake beans will develop from vining plants that will reach 2 meters in height, while bush varieties will grow to approximately 45 centimeters in height.
Seasons/Availability
Blue Lake beans are available year-round.
Current Facts
Blue Lake beans, botanically classified as Phaseolus vulgaris ‘Blue Lake,’ are snap green beans belonging to the Fabaceae family. Blue Lake beans were named after the Blue Lake District in California, where the beans were first created, and are some of the most popular varieties in the United States. There are many different varieties of Blue Lake beans that have been selectively bred over time, and in modern-day seed catalogs, there are both bush and pole Blue Lake cultivars. The first Blue Lake beans developed in the early 20th century were primarily used for canning, but as breeding advancements were made, growing fibreless, crisp beans, Blue Lake beans became a favorite variety for fresh consumption. Blue Lake beans are regarded by gardeners to be one of the most flavorful green beans and are valued for their prolific nature. Among the many different cultivars, the signature Blue Lake bean variety is known in seed catalogs as Blue Lake 274.
Nutritional Value
Blue Lake beans are a good source of vitamin K to assist in faster wound healing, vitamin C to strengthen the immune system while reducing inflammation, fiber to stimulate the digestive tract, and vitamin A to maintain healthy organ functioning. The beans also contain potassium to balance fluid levels within the body and lower amounts of manganese, calcium, phosphorus, copper, and iron.
Applications
Blue Lake beans have a mild, fresh grassy flavor well suited for both raw and cooked applications such as steaming, sautéing, roasting, and stir-frying. The beans can be served whole, halved, or sliced and tossed into green salads, mixed into grain bowls, or simmered into curries, soups, and stews. Blue Lake beans can also be steamed or roasted and served as a side dish, stir-fried with other vegetables, incorporated into quiches, or cooked into creamy casseroles. In addition to fresh preparations, Blue Lake beans are popularly used in quick pickling recipes and canning. Blue Lake beans pair well with fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, tarragon, and basil, citrus, nuts, including walnuts, almonds, and pine nuts, raisins, cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda, tomatoes, mushrooms, potatoes, and summer squash. Unwashed, raw Blue Lake beans will keep up to 7 days when stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer. Cooked green beans will keep 3 to 5 days when stored in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Blue Lake beans are one of the featured varieties showcased at the annual Green Bean Festival in Blairsville, Georgia. The celebration was established in the early 21st century in an effort to increase tourism, promote sustainable living between local farms and consumers, and create an educational event for both residents and visitors. Much of the festival occurs at the Union County farmers market, where vendors sell homemade baked items, canned goods, and fresh produce, including Blue Lake beans, while live bands contribute to a lively atmosphere. There is also a 5K run, beauty pageant, and green bean pizza-eating contest held throughout the weekend. One of the most interesting features of the festival is the community cannery located beside the festival grounds. The cannery was remodeled from a privately owned business to a community space where Blairsville residents can book appointments and bring their food items to safely can. Blue Lake beans are a popular canning variety and are often sold canned during the Green Bean Festival.
Geography/History
Blue Lake beans are descendants of ancient bean varieties that were originally native to Peru and were spread across the Americas through migrating peoples. Beans were cultivated in Native American tribes throughout North America, grown in the traditional crop system known as the three sisters, and many different bean varieties were created over time with improved characteristics. The first Blue Lake beans were produced in the early 1900s in the Blue Lake area near Ukiah, California. The original Blue Lake beans were slightly stringy but were the primary variety used for the canning industry. In 1923, the variety was brought to Oregon, where they were extensively researched and trialed for fresh use. Oregon breeders eventually developed new stringless Blue Lake bean varieties, and by 1952, there were over 10,000 acres dedicated to green beans in the state. The first commercial stringless Blue Lake bean variety was developed by the Asgrow Company in 1962, and in 1964, the Blue Lake 274 cultivar was released, one of the most popular Blue Lake beans in the modern-day. Today there are dozens of hybrids and sub-varieties that represent the original Blue Lake bean with better yields, disease resistance, and adaptability to various climates. Blue Lake beans are commercially produced through specialty growers and are sold through supermarkets and farmer’s markets. The beans are also a famous home garden variety in the United States and Australia, and the seeds are sold through online retailers worldwide.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Brigantine Pt Loma | San Diego CA | 619-224-2871 |
| Leichtag Foundation | Encinitas CA | 760-230-6772 |
| Alila Marea Beach Resort | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
| Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen | Oceanside CA | 619-990-0158 |
| Farmer and The Seahorse | San Diego CA | 619-302-3682 |
| Boss Bird Kitchen | La Mesa CA | 858-566-9191 |
| Sbicca | Del Mar CA | 858-481-1001 |
| Brigantine Poway | Poway CA | 858-486-3066 |
| Love Boat Sushi-Oceanside | Oceanside CA | 760-721-3737 |
| Secret Sister | San Diego CA | 619-281-0718 |
| Sushi Ota 2021 | San Diego CA | 858-270-5047 |
| The Butchery | San Diego CA | 858-345-1524 |
| Blue Ocean | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-4959 |
| Portside Pier (TopSail) | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| Chateau La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-459-4451 |
| Coronado Yacht Club | Coronado CA | 619-435-1848 |
| Sushi Kami | San Diego CA | 858-451-7799 |
| Red Door Friends | San Diego CA | 619-295-6000 |
| Green Acres Campus 2020 | San Diego CA | 858-450-9907 |
| Portside Pier (Brigantine) | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| Barrel & Board | San Diego CA | 619-379-2574 |
| Siesel's Meats | San Diego CA | 619-275-1234 |
| Juniper & Ivy | San Diego CA | 858-481-3666 |
| Red O Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-291-8360 |
| Tin Leaf Fresh Kitchen | Carlsbad CA | 760-431-5323 |
| Third Corner Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 619-417-9251 |
| Il Giardino di Lilli | La Jolla CA | 619-467-9897 |
| Capri Blu 2020 | San Diego CA | 858-673-5100 |
| Amalfi Gourmet LLC | San Diego CA | 619-379-3099 |
| Brigantine La Mesa | La Mesa CA | 619-465-1935 |
| Brigantine Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-481-1166 |
| Marys Gourmet Salads | La Jolla CA | 858-925-4690 |
| Harmony Cuisine 2B1 | San Diego CA | 858-737-4777 |
| Bali Hai Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-222-1181 |
| Shimbashi Izakaya | Del Mar CA | 858-523-0479 |
| Miho | San Diego CA | 619-365-5655 |
| The Joint | San Diego CA | 619-222-8272 |
| Isola Pizza Bar | San Diego CA | 619-564-2938 |
| Brigantine Escondido | Escondido CA | 760-743-4718 |
| Ballast Point Rest. - Little Italy | San Diego CA | 619-298-2337 |
| Ballast Point Rest. - Miramar | San Diego CA | 858-790-6900 |
| Brigantine Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-4166 |
| Brigantine Imperial Beach | Imperial Beach CA | 619-591-1350 |
| Third Corner Ocean Beach | San Diego CA | 619-223-2700 |
| The Bier Garden | Encinitas CA | 760-632-2437 |
| The Field Irish Pub & Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-232-9840 |
| Tartine | Coronado CA | 619-435-4323 |
| Stone Brewing-Liberty Station | San Diego CA | 619-269-2100 |
| One Door North | San Diego CA | 858-232-4220 |
| Crown Point Catering | San Diego CA | 619-223-1211 |
| Pina (Encinitas) | Encinitas CA | 562-371-5919 |
| Farm Fresh Meals | Vista CA | 760-707-2383 |
| PFC Fitness Camp | Carlsbad CA | 888-488-8936 |
| Brigantine La Mesa (Bar) | La Mesa CA | 619-465-1935 |
| Reata Glen | Ladera Ranch CA | 949-545-2250 |
| Jo's Mission Hills Diner | San Diego CA | 619-417-3801 |
| Hane | San Diego CA | 619-339-6438 |
| Thai One On | Carlsbad CA | 760-500-8674 |
| Panama 66 | San Diego CA | 619-206-6352 |
| BFD-Big Front Door | San Diego CA | 619-723-8183 |
| Parkhouse Eatery | San Diego CA | 619-295-7275 |
| Encontro North Park | San Diego CA | 310-955-6333 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Blue Lake Beans. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Blue Lake Beans using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Santa Monica Farmers Market
Tamai Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 66 days ago, 12/03/22 Sharer's comments : Blue Lake Beans from Tamai Family Farms 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Tamai Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 122 days ago, 10/08/22 Sharer's comments : Blue Lake Beans from Tamai Family Farms 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 https://specialtyproduce.com About 135 days ago, 9/25/22 Sharer's comments : Blue Lake Beans from Tamai Family Farms 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Tamai Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 150 days ago, 9/10/22 Sharer's comments : Blue Lake Beans from Tamai Family Farms 
Poway Farmers Market
Yasukochi Family Farm
Near Poway, California, United StatesOceanside, CA About 157 days ago, 9/03/22 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Tamai Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 227 days ago, 6/25/22 Sharer's comments : Blue Lake Beans from Tamai Family Farms 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Cabrals farm
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 241 days ago, 6/11/22 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Fresno Evergreen Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesFresno, CA 1-559-385-4959 About 265 days ago, 5/18/22 
Pinecrest Gardens Green Market
Pinecrest Farmers' Market
Near Pinecrest, Florida, United States11000 Red Road Pinecrest FL 33156 1-786-667-6992 https://greenmarketco-op.org About 268 days ago, 5/15/22 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Her Produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesFresno, Ca 559-313-6676 About 272 days ago, 5/11/22 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Tamai Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 339 days ago, 3/05/22 Sharer's comments : Blue Lake Beans from Tamai Family Farms 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 359 days ago, 2/13/22 Sharer's comments : Blue Lake Beans from Tamai Family Farms 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 380 days ago, 1/23/22 Sharer's comments : Blue Lake Beans from Tamai Family Farms 
Poway Farmers Market
Yasukochi Family Farm
Near Poway, California, United StatesOceanside, CA About 381 days ago, 1/22/22 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 408 days ago, 12/26/21 Sharer's comments : Blue Lake Beans from Tamai Family Farms 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 422 days ago, 12/12/21 Sharer's comments : Blue Lake Beans from Tamai Family Farms 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Cabrals farm
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 423 days ago, 12/11/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 443 days ago, 11/21/21 Sharer's comments : Blue Lake Beans from Tamai Family Farms 
La Guardia Produce
La Guardia Produce
Near Miami, Florida, United StatesNW 2nd Ave & 34th St miami fl 33127 305-318-7690 About 445 days ago, 11/19/21 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Cabrals farm
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 458 days ago, 11/06/21 
Mar Vista Farmers Market
Tamai Family Farms
Near Venice, California, United StatesAbout 471 days ago, 10/24/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Gloria Tamai Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United States1-805-240-6306 About 475 days ago, 10/20/21 
Specialty Produce
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 508 days ago, 9/17/21 Sharer's comments : Blue lake beans from Gloria tamai farms 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 531 days ago, 8/25/21 
Hillcrest Farmers Market
Yasukochi Family Farm
Near San Diego, California, United StatesOceanside, CA About 548 days ago, 8/08/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 559 days ago, 7/28/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Tamai Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 587 days ago, 6/30/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 663 days ago, 4/15/21 Sharer's comments : Greens beans from Gloria Tamai Farms |
