Ian’s Heirlooms

Ian heads up our DirtWorks project at Holly Hill Inn. He’s an enthusiastic seed saver who’s filling our garden with heirloom varieties of tomatoes, beans and other vegetables — all destined for dishes on our menus.

Bertie Best's Greasy Beans

This variety originated in Haywood County, North Carolina. These were collected from beans grown by Bill Best’s Aunt Bertie. Greasy beans get their name from the shiny look of their pods when cooked. They’re savored for their mellow, nutty, umami flavor.

Turkey Craw Beans

Ask any farmer how these beans got their name and you’ll be told the story of the old-timer who shot a wild turkey and found this bean in its craw., then planted it to see what grew.

Fall Beans

Old-time bean varieties were selected and bred for nutrition and flavor, and large pods were especially prized. Beans could be counted on to provide sustenance in the winter when fresh vegetables were no longer available. Stories have been told of beans traveling with folks from one end of the country to the other, only to return home with subsequent generations.