Holy
(Sacred Bean, Monstrance, Heilige Boon)
(Pole) According to the Koanga Institute, Holy beans originated in France. 1 This variety has been present for a long time within New Zealand and the Netherlands. 1, 2 According to the legend, the Holy bean was born in upheaval during World War 1. A French pastor feared the treasures and sacred items would be stolen from the church, and in order to guard his church’s treasures he buried them in the ground. To deter suspision from this place, the pastor planted white seeded beans in the soil above the items.
When the pods dried and the dry beans were ready for harvest, the pastor shelled them. To his amazement the seeds had the image of an Angel in Praise, and in other variations of the coat pattern, a monstrance over the eye.
Referred by the Slow Ark of Food as Sacred Bean and an heirloom of the Netherlands. 2
Days to Maturity:
Resources: The Koanga Institute in New Zealand shares an interesting story behind the Holy beans they received and continue to share.