Jacob's Cattle Bean (Bush)

Jacob's Cattle Bean is an heirloom bush bean (also called Trout or Appaloosa bean) prized for its striking maroon and white mottled seeds and hearty, rich flavor. This dry shelling bean produces creamy, full-bodied beans that hold their shape well in slow-cooked dishes.

At a glance

• Type: Heirloom bush shelling (dry) bean
• Also known as: Trout bean, Appaloosa bean
• Days to maturity: 90 to 100 days
• Plant height: 18 to 24 inches
• Sun: Full sun
• Soil: Rich, well-drained
• Non-GMO: Open-pollinated heirloom

Best for

• Soups and stews
• Baked beans
• Hearty chilis and casseroles
• Dry storage and seed saving
• High-protein, high-fiber home cooking

How to grow

Direct sow after the last frost in full sun and well-drained soil. As a bush variety it needs no trellising and stays compact at 18 to 24 inches. Allow the pods to dry on the plant, then harvest once they are papery and the beans rattle inside.

Flavor profile

Hearty and rich with a creamy texture that stays intact through long cooking, making it a standout in baked beans and stews.

About MIgardener

MIgardener is a Michigan-based seed company offering affordable, non-GMO heirloom seeds to help home gardeners grow flavorful, open-pollinated varieties.