Beans, straight from the source

What are dried beans before they’re dried? Shelling beans! For a short time in late summer, you can find freshly harvested beans like cranberry, butter and cannellini that only need brief cooking. Simmer them in cream and sprinkle with pepper for an indulgent treat. Or shuck and boil them to serve in a salad with cherry tomatoes and abundant herbs. Beans grow easily in this area and help fix nitrogen in the soil for winter crops. For fun, try heirloom varieties like tongue-of-fire or Christmas limas and revel in their lovely mottled colors.