Monthly Archives: November 2013

White Milo

Posted on November 29, 2013 by John Sherck

Sorghum Bicolor          110 days White Milo is a type of sorghum grown for its grain. Sorghum grain is considered a staple food source in its native Africa. Here in the U.S., sorghum is primarily grown for livestock feed. This trend is changing … Continue reading →

Posted in Grains, Heritage and Ancient Grains, Sorghum | 4 Comments

Dale Sorghum

Posted on November 29, 2013 by John Sherck

Sorghum bicolor          110 days Sorghum originated in Africa where it has been cultivated for over 4000 years. There are four main types of sorghum. Cane sorghum is grown for syrup production. Grain sorghum is grown for animal feed and for human … Continue reading →

Posted in Grains, Heritage and Ancient Grains, Sorghum | 6 Comments

California Black-eyed Cowpeas

Posted on November 27, 2013 by John Sherck

Vigna unguiculata           85 days This past season was my first experience growing cowpeas and I have mixed feelings about the role they can play in a Northern Indiana “organic” garden. The plants were robust, grew well, and produced lots of beautiful pea … Continue reading →

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Schronce’s Deep Black Peanut

Posted on November 27, 2013 by John Sherck

Arachis hypogaea          110 daysThis peanut has been selected since 1980 by North Carolina gardener, Gordon Schronce. He started with 3 peanut shells and a total of seven individual peanuts. Unlike regular peanuts with red skins, these had dark purple, almost black … Continue reading →

Posted in Legumes, Peanuts | 1 Comment

Tennessee Red Valencia Peanut

Posted on November 27, 2013 by John Sherck

Arachis hypogaea          110 daysTennessee Red Valencia is an heirloom peanut dating back to before the 1930s. I have been growing this peanut for a number of years with good success in Northern Indiana. It produces a rich flavored, delicious peanut … Continue reading →

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Moth Beans

Posted on November 27, 2013 by John Sherck

Phaseolus aconitifolius          100 days Moth Beans (pronounced “moat”) originate from India where they are cultivated in arid regions. They are also grown in parts of the Mediterranean as well as the Middle East. Extremely drought and heat-tolerant. Considered to be one of the … Continue reading →

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Christmas Lima Bean

Posted on November 27, 2013 by John Sherck

Phaseolus lunatus          75-100 days Also known as Large Speckled Calico. This heirloom lima bean was first cultivated in the U.S. around 1840. It can be used fresh as a shell bean or as a dry bean when fully mature. Full, … Continue reading →

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Black Turtle Beans

Posted on November 26, 2013 by John Sherck

Phaseolus vulgaris          95-100 days Another superb staple crop is Black Turtle beans. Multi-purpose as they can be harvested young as green snap beans, later as shelly beans, and when mature as a dry bean. Delicious in soups or as refried beans. … Continue reading →

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Pinto Beans

Posted on November 26, 2013 by John Sherck

Phaseolus vulgaris          90 daysPinto beans are considered a favorite staple crop here in the North as well as in Mexico. They are fairly easy to grow, nutritious, and cook up much faster than other types of dry beans. Pinto beans are very versatile. … Continue reading →

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Black Jet Soybean

Posted on November 26, 2013 by John Sherck

Black soybeans are nearly identical in nutrition to yellow soybeans, with 35-40% protein. They are easier to digest and considered to be much tastier. They have a richer, sweeter flavor than the yellow soybean. Black jet is an easy to … Continue reading →

Posted in Legumes, Soybean | 2 Comments