Polish White Eagle Bush Bean, Heirloom, Incredibly Rare in America

Polska Fasola z Orzełkiem, also called “Independence Bean” or Fasola NiepodległościT bean is deeply tied to Poland’s struggle for independence during the 19th century.

• A Secret Symbol: During the November Uprising (1830–1831) and subsequent partitions, the Polish national symbol—the White Eagle—was banned by occupying powers. Patriotic Poles began growing this specific bean variety because the distinctive maroon marking around the eye (hilum) was said to perfectly resemble the forbidden Polish Eagle.
• The Garden as a Protest: Planting these beans allowed families to maintain their national identity and spirit in plain sight. If a soldier questioned the garden, it was "just a bean"; but to a Pole, it was a living emblem of their homeland.
• The Return: After generations of being kept alive in private village gardens across Poland, this variety has become a beloved heirloom globally, representing the intersection of horticulture and human spirit.

This is a high-quality shelling bean that brings both beauty to the plate and substance to the meal.

• The Seed: A large, plump, oval-shaped white bean. Each seed features a striking dark red to burgundy marking at the eye that fans out in a shape reminiscent of an eagle’s wings (or a crown).
• In the Kitchen: This is the quintessential bean for traditional Polish "Fasolka po bretońsku" (Polish-style baked beans).
• Texture & Flavor: It possesses a thin skin and a remarkably creamy, buttery interior. It holds its shape well during cooking while producing a rich, savory broth, making it perfect for hearty winter stews and soups.

The Polish White Eagle is a vigorous producer. While technically a "bush" variety, it often produces "short runners" (approx. 2–3 feet), giving it a robust, sprawling habit that fills a bed quickly.

Garden Bed Coverage: One packet from Firefly Farm & Mercantile is designed to perfectly seed a 20 square foot bed (roughly an 8' to 10' long by 2.5' wide garden bed).

"The Polish White Eagle is has a powerful history, a beautiful appearance, and a world-class flavor. We love the way the beans look when you shell them; it’s like uncovering tiny pieces of history with every pod. It’s a productive, easy-to-grow variety that adds real meaning to the backyard garden."

• Sowing: Like all beans, wait until the soil is warm and the danger of frost has passed. For your 20 sq. ft. bed, sow seeds 1 inch deep in rows spaced 12 inches apart.
• Harvesting: For the most vivid "Eagle" markings, allow the pods to dry completely on the plant until they are brittle and brown.
• Storage: Once shelled and fully dried, these beans store beautifully for years, ensuring you always have a "patriotic" meal ready in your pantry.