This year, I’ve embarked on a culinary journey to explore the diverse world of beans, aiming to cook and savor as many varieties as possible. This article marks the beginning of a series documenting my observations, and today, we’re delving into the captivating Cherokee Trail of Tears bean.
There’s an undeniable charm in food that carries a story, a narrative that intertwines with its very essence. This connection between food and history often fades when our sustenance is mass-produced, transforming food into a mere commodity, devoid of soul and heritage. Fortunately, the Cherokee Trail of Tears bean stands apart, brimming with both historical significance and a robust flavor profile, making it truly exceptional.
Cherokee Trail Of Tears Bean Seeds Displaying Their Distinctive Black Color
The Cherokee Trail of Tears bean’s story is deeply rooted in history. In 1977, Dr. John Wyche, a dentist of Cherokee heritage, gifted these seeds to the Seed Savers Exchange. According to Cherokee lore, these very bean seeds were carried by the Cherokee people during their harrowing forced relocation in 1838-1839, a tragic event known as the Trail of Tears. During this devastating march, an estimated 4,000 Cherokee people perished from starvation, exposure, and disease. Today, this small, resilient black bean serves as a poignant symbol of the Cherokee Nation’s enduring struggle for survival and resilience.
Abundant Harvest Of Cherokee Trail Of Tears Beans Ready For Drying
In the garden, the Cherokee Trail of Tears bean exhibits a vining growth habit, thriving with sturdy support. The pods, reaching about 6 inches in length, are characteristically round and green, adorned with a subtle yet distinctive purple hue. While young, these beans can be enjoyed as snap beans, offering a fresh, green bean experience. Alternatively, they can be left to mature on the vine, transforming into dried beans perfect for winter dishes. In my personal experience cultivating this variety for the past two years, I’ve found it to be a reliable grower, though perhaps not the most prolific in terms of yield.
Hydrated Cherokee Trail Of Tears Beans After Soaking, Ready For Cooking
When it comes to culinary applications, the Cherokee Trail of Tears bean truly shines. These glossy, oblong black seeds boast a rich and full-bodied flavor. Recognized for their unique qualities, they have earned a place on Slow Food USA’s Ark of Taste, a prestigious catalog of delicious and culturally significant foods facing potential extinction. Food historian William Woys Weaver notes that Native Americans traditionally utilized these dried beans to create flour. They were also frequently cooked alongside blue and black corn varieties, creating a nutritious and flavorful staple. Personally, I find they are exceptionally well-suited for black bean soup, maintaining their texture and flavor beautifully throughout the cooking process. While finding commercial sources for dried Cherokee Trail of Tears cooking beans can be challenging, the seeds are readily available from numerous seed companies for home gardeners.
Hearty And Flavorful Cherokee Trail Of Tears Bean Soup, A Culinary Delight
Considering the question “what are Cherokee black beans comparable to?”, their flavor profile is often likened to other black beans, but with a slightly earthier and richer depth. Compared to common black beans found in supermarkets, Cherokee beans offer a more intense bean flavor, less starchy and with a subtle sweetness that emerges when cooked. They hold their shape well, similar to turtle beans, making them excellent for dishes where texture is desired. For those seeking heirloom bean varieties with robust flavor, Cherokee Trail of Tears beans stand shoulder to shoulder with other heritage black beans like ‘Black Turtle’ or ‘Domino Black’, often surpassing them in historical significance and unique backstory.
I know these beans are a favorite among many gardeners and food history enthusiasts. I’m eager to hear about your experiences preparing them and any observations you might have from growing them yourself. I hope you’ve enjoyed this exploration of the Cherokee Trail of Tears bean. Stay tuned for my next bean review coming soon! Until then, happy growing and happy eating from Happy Acres!
