Comments on: Magic [Marfax] Beans

By: Holly Perry

Holly Perry — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 21:18:59 +0000

This is exciting! I thought Maine was the only place that had marfax beans….actually Washington County …we can’t buy them anywhere else…you’ve encouraged me to grow some next spring.

By: LeighB

LeighB — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:27:57 +0000

When my colleague was researching heirloom beans over the summer she found a source in South Hamilton, MA, called Baer’s Best Beans. You might want to look them up, also Sparrow Arc Farm in Unity, ME might grow them.

Thanks for reading!

By: Randy G

Randy G — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:25:01 +0000

I am some old glad to see people growing and loving Marfax beans. I originally come from Downeast (Washington County) and grew up on these beans. Now I have a hard time finding them. My usual grower’s fields were inundated with rain early this year and he couldn’t grow his usual crop. I came on here looking for a place to buy some (75 pounds) and stumbled on to this delightful site. This is most heart warming.

By: LeighB

LeighB — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:17:57 +0000

Arthur,

Glad to know you’re enjoying the Marfax! I have some in my pantry just waiting to get turned into baked beans. A good winter dish.

By: Arthur Zoidis

Arthur Zoidis — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:24:16 +0000

I am eating these Marfax beans right now and they are excellent. They are a meaty and hearty bean with a nice density to the bite. (I know why the loggers&lumberjacks loved them; very filling)
Do not over or under cook otherwise all of these characteristics will diminish.
The Yellow Eye bean has always been my fav and was the only bean my dad baked with at the restaurant for years. I still use them for the maximum in taste but the Marfax is a strong second for overall delicious. Thanks for the pics and kowledge of this bean.

By: Sharon Sevonty

Sharon Sevonty — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:33:23 +0000

Annie,
I’m not as an accomplished chef as you, but I do enjoy watching things grow and trying my hand at creating new recipes. I loved your description of finding the beans and describing their history. You are an excellent writer – a multi-talented young woman.

By: Nancy Bitzarakis

Nancy Bitzarakis — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 23:57:33 +0000

Way to go Annie. It is heartening to me to see the “younger generation” promoting such earth friendly food endeavors. I know the world has been doing this for decades – still, it’s great to see it being done in such a concious manner. Makes me feel like this will go on forever.

By: Charlotte Vallaeys

Charlotte Vallaeys — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 01:24:47 +0000

I vote for trying out the bean hole. Just make sure the dogs don’t dig it up before you do!

By: ConnieO.

ConnieO. — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 20:29:39 +0000

Congratulations on a very worth while project and a very interesting artical. The pictures are very nice too. I also have beans growing in my city backyard and am very excited to see them poping up. I like seeing the wonders of nature close to home. As a child, I can remember enjoying a little garden behind the garage: a row of set onions and a row of green beans. 50 years later, it is still exciting.

By: SarahB

SarahB — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:43:48 +0000

Anne, what a wonderful project! I’m so excited to hear about it from afar, and would love to eat at a participating restaurant on my next visit to Boston