Blue Greasy Grits are delicious, but I haven't tried them at the tender stage. I let mine fill out...the flavor is in the bean. It's worth the wait.

Annette, I have not grown that greasy bean but all the others I have tried are at their peak of perfection when they are plump with maturing seeds. - Dick

Thanks for the input, this is the way I've picked Tennessee Cutshorts and Tobacco Worm and we've really enjoyed them, I'll wait until they fill their pods.
Looks like we still have some good weather coming our way, I'm hoping it carries on into October.

Annette

Update, these beans have been coming on gangbusters they might not get as big as some but talk about prolific, I think they're the most prolific bean I've grown this year. I'm going to have to freeze some, don't want to waste them.

I'll leave a few for seed but this will depend on the warm weather hanging around for awhile. The next time I grow them I'll make sure they're planted earlier.

Annette

Speaking of Tobacco Worm, Gardenlad (Brook Elliott) used to say that this was his favorite. "The standard against which all others are compared." I enjoyed a mess of them last night. The pods were plump and yellow and I have to admit that it would be hard to find a finer bean. Sort of a slimmer and later version of Tennessee Cutshort.

For those who are interested, I found a photo of him along with Billl Best, Rodger and Fusion Power at the Kentucky gathering. That would be a great event to be able to attend.

Here is a link that might be useful: Kentucky Gathering

Annette,
They produced really well for me too. Good to hear they did the same for you.

DrLloyd,
You might have missed my post last year with photos from Berea. It was funny since Gardenlad/Brook was close by, and I realized it was him. I got all excited like it was a long lost relative. It was really nice to meet him in person.

Here is a link that might be useful: Photos from Berea 2011

Remy, hope you take lots of pictures this year and post them, it's great being able to put names to faces:) Sure wish it was possible to go myself, if only I was a few years younger and then there's that must have a passport thingy. I'm afraid this old gal's traveling days are over :(.

Annette

Dreams are made to flourish even when traveling is difficult.

Blue Greasy should be plump with beans, about 4 to 5 inches long, but picked just before the beans turn from white to blue/black. They have ripcord strings that are easily removed. The best way to cook is to snap them into a pan, cover with water, and put in a pan on the stove. Stir often as the water evaporates. Let the beans sizzle for about a minute in the bottom of the pan after the water has evaporated. This slightly caramelizes the bottom beans which gives them a delicious flavor. If you want it, add some chipped ham just before they finish cooking.

The 2012 get together is:

Berea Kentucky Seed Exchange

What: Seed Swap and General Get Together
When: Saturday October 6th
Where: Sustainable Mountain Agriculture Center, 1033 Pilot Knob Cemetery Road, Berea, Kentucky 40403

The annual heirloom seed-swap and meet-n-greet at the Sustainable Mountain Agriculture Center is firm for this year. Bill Best will again be hosting the event on Saturday, October 6th, at the SMAC farm in Berea, Kentucky.

DarJones

Annette,
To me you are young :) Funny how the computer can do things like that. I'll be sure to take a lot of pics. I just emptied out my memory card so I won't run out of space this year! My SIL is coming with me too so I know she'll take some too.

Dar,
You coming this year? I was hoping to meet you last year.
Remy

Remy I did see the photos when you posted them. Looking forward to the next batch. Alas, it is a long trip for one day. - Dick

I also have a question about Blue Greasy Grits. This is the first year I have grown any greasy beans. There are the Blue Greasy Grits and a No-Name Greasy. The pods on the No-Name look distinctly glossy and shiny; the pods on the Blue Greasy Grit look matte and dull, even when filled out.

I got the Blue Greasy Grits seeds in a swap and was concerned that they aren't true to type because they don't look greasy. But they are prolific little darlings. Do your Blue Greasy Grits look glossy and greasy? Frost may get here tomorrow night and the answer may decide how well I try to protect them, because I don't want to save a lot of seeds for sharing if they aren't growing true.

Thanks.

Spacetogrow, I went out and took a picture of mine. I can see why it's a little confusing as mine have a slight mattish look but at the same time you can see the shine.

...and the seed.

aftermidnight, those are some nice looking beans!

Spacegrow,
Are you growing a regular bean too? I find I can tell better by feel than looks. Regular beans definitely feel different.
Remy

A simple test is to drag a piece of tissue paper up a greasy bean vs up a regular bean. See what the tissue does.

DarJones

I pulled the vines about a week ago and hung them in the greenhouse, I can't believe the amount of seed I'm getting off them, threw a handful of shellies in with some carrots I was steaming for supper the other night, they were delicious.
Here's a sample of the seed I'm getting, most pods have 8 seeds some have nine. This bean does extremely well in my location. Annette