Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024 at 8:30 p.m. on KPBS TV / Stream now with the PBS App + Encore Monday, March 4 at 8:30 p.m. on KPBS 2
California's Mediterranean climate is ideal for growing the dried beans that Native Americans and other ancient cultures have grown and eaten for centuries. Sadly, delicious and nutritious heirloom beans have some weaknesses - the plants are naturally smaller and produce fewer beans than today's "improved" varieties. Traditional varieties get diseases that weaken them and further reduce their production.
On this episode, we see and sample more than a dozen heirloom beans. We see how the beans are grown, harvested, cleaned, and packaged for market. We also see the work of breeders who, with farmers, seek to strengthen the traditional varieties. The goal is to save their delicious flavors, while increasing the harvest, both on the farm and in the garden.
Resources from this episode: Rio Del Rey Farm and UC Davis bean research lab
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About The Series: From earth-friendly and water-wise gardens to organic foods and habitat restoration, San Diegans demand options that protect our health, feed our communities and protect our natural resources. Hosted by Nan Sterman, A GROWING PASSION explores backyard food production, major horticultural growers, low-water landscapes and sustainable practices around the home and in the garden.
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