Calypso Beans

Calypso beans are an heirloom shelling bean botanically known to be a part of the Phaseolus vulgaris genus, the most widely cultivated genre of beans in the world. Beans in the Phaseolus vulgaris genus such as the Calypso are also known as common beans and are New World beans. Unlike green beans which are consumed pod and all, shelling beans are grown primarily for their edible seeds or beans contained within the pods. There are several different varieties of Calypso beans with the black and white bean being the most commonly found. The Calypso is also sometimes marketed as Orca bean or Yin-Yang bean, both a nod to the beans unique exterior coloring and pattern.

Calypso shelling beans when fresh are encased in long, narrow bright green pods. Once shelled, the beans are easily distinguished by their skin’s trademark yin-yang-like pattern, which will become more pronounced with age. Depending upon variety the beans can be found in shades of red and white, tan and white, or black and white.

Their coloring will fade somewhat when cooked but not completely like many other vibrant shelling beans. Their shape is petite, rounded, and ovate. Cooked Calypso beans will be plump with a velvety smooth texture and will offer a nutty, starchy potato-like flavor.