Lazy Housewife Pole Bean, 1800's German Heirloom

This variety is an old German heirloom that arrived in America in the mid-1800s. It represents the first generation of truly stringless pole beans. While it shares a name style with the Lazy Wife bean, the Lazy Housewife is a distinct genetic line, prized for its larger seed and its incredibly easy-to-open pods that practically "unzip" themselves at harvest time.

• The Pods: Smooth, fleshy green pods that are entirely stringless. They provide an old-fashioned, rich bean flavor when eaten fresh.
• The Seeds: When dried, the seeds are pure white and measure a substantial 1 cm in length. They are larger than those of the Lazy Wife variety.
• In the Kitchen: This is a true dual-purpose bean. Use it as a snap bean in the summer or allow it to mature for dry beans. Because it shells so easily, it is one of the fastest varieties to process for winter storage.

Note to Gardeners: Don’t confuse this with the Lazy Wife bean! While both are stringless, the Lazy Housewife produces a larger 1 cm seed and a smoother pod, making it the preferred choice for those who prioritize easy shelling.