August in Phoenix! If you have been following the articles so far, you have picked a spot, or spots, for your garden. You have started seed gathering, composting, and maybe even planting has begun. Now is the time for more seed planting.
Now is the time for carrots and green onions to be planted. If you started tomatoes inside, they can be brought outside if you can provide shade for them. The middle of the month will be time to plant broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy, leaf lettuces and summer squash, to name a few. Another very exciting crop to consider is....tepary beans!
Tepary beans that were once a staple in the Sonoran Desert - evidence of their existence has been found in the strata from 8,000 years ago - were almost lost. They are seeing a comeback, due to the efforts of folks who are concerned about crop loss and the effects on genetic diversity. Heirloom seeds such as the tepary bean promote sustainable agriculture by allowing a choice from a wide array of crops that have adapted to the growing conditions of a specific area.
Tepary beans mature quickly, are heat and drought resistant, and are nutritionally superior to many other beans. They have a 23-30% higher protein content than more common beans such as pintos and kidneys, as well as higher amounts of different minerals. They are also easier to digest because they are lower in polyunsaturated fats and anti-enzymatic compounds. The best part - they have a wonderful, nutty-sweet flavor! They cook quicker so they use less energy! Here is one recipe to consider:
2 cups tepary beans (you have dried them after harvesting them, and soaked in water overnight)
6 cups water
4 slices bacon, diced or 1-2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 medioum onion, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
1 cup diced celery
1 clove garlic, diced
3 cups tomatoes with juice
1 tsp. mixed oregano and cumin
Dried red chile pepper (optional)
Drain soaked beans and bring to boil in big pot with the water. When beans are tender, fry bacon then remove from pan, leaving grease on medium heat. If using oil, heat over medium heat; add onion, carrots, celery and garlic - saute' until tender, about eight minutes. Add bacon, tomatoes with juice and spices. Simmer for ten minutes. Add mix to beans and cook another hour. Add dried red chili during the last ten minutes. May be served with flour tortillas.
Tepary beans can be found at Seeds of Change , Purcell Mountain Farms and Native Seeds/Search . Go ahead - try them! You will be doing more than simply putting delicious food on your table!
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