Four Generations of Growing Beans
Sheridan Acres’s owner, Kevin Messing, has dry bean farming in his blood. His family has been growing dry beans on the same farm property for four generations, since 1939.
After discovering orca beans at a farmstand near Mount Hood, Oregon in 2015, heirloom dry beans have become part of the family’s history as well. Over the years, we’ve learned a lot about growing these unique varieties of beans and had a whole lot of fun along the way!
Why Heirloom Dry Beans
Heirloom beans are older varieties that most farmers have tossed aside for the convenience of modern beans that are bred for higher yields and easier processing. What those modern varieties lack in flavor and texture, heirloom varieties have no shortage of. Even better - a lot of these beans are absolutely beautiful!
Dry beans were first domesticated in Central and South America more than 7,000 years ago and have been a staple food for most of that time. Heirloom varieties may be harder to grow and harvest, but they keep the tradition of beans alive through their unique flavors. Beans are a great source of protein, potassium and fiber as well as being low fat and free of cholesterol.
Only a handful of varieties of beans are widely available throughout the United States, but the diversity of beans that exist is immense. It brings us so much joy to share these lesser known varieties of beans with the world!
Old Bean Varieties Means Old Equipment Technology
Sheridan Acres grows heirloom dry beans on part of our family’s fourth generation farm, where beans have been growing for almost 80 years. While the production equipment for black beans has evolved significantly over the years, our heirloom dry beans are cultivated using the same equipment Kevin Messing’s father was using 30 years ago on the land. It’s all come full circle as we work to produce these historic bean varieties.