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Kentucky Wonder beans do have strings, especially when they’re allowed to grow past their prime.
If you’ve been asking yourself “do Kentucky Wonder beans have strings,” you’re not alone.
These popular heirloom pole beans are known for their heavy yields and great flavor, but those strings can be a real nuisance if you don’t know how to handle them.
The good news is that Kentucky Wonder beans have strings that are easy to deal with, and younger pods often have very tender strings that you won’t even notice.
In this post, we’ll cover whether Kentucky Wonder beans have strings, when those strings develop, and how to deal with them so you can enjoy these delicious beans without any hassle.
Let’s dig in.
Why Kentucky Wonder Beans Have Strings
Kentucky Wonder beans have strings because of their genetic makeup as an heirloom pole variety.
Here’s why those strings form in the first place:
1. It’s All About the Variety
The Kentucky Wonder bean is an old heirloom variety that naturally produces strings along the seams of the pods.
This is simply a trait that’s been passed down through generations of this particular bean.
Some bean varieties were bred specifically to be stringless, but Kentucky Wonder beans have strings as part of their natural character.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing, though, because the strings are what help hold the pod together as the beans inside develop.
2. The Strings Develop as Pods Mature
Do Kentucky Wonder beans have strings from the very start?
Not exactly.
When Kentucky Wonder beans are young and tender, the strings are barely noticeable.
But as the pods mature and the beans inside start to swell, those strings become tough and fibrous.
This is why timing your harvest is so important when you’re growing Kentucky Wonder beans.
Pick them early, and you’ll hardly notice the strings.
Wait too long, and you’ll be dealing with stringy, tough pods that aren’t nearly as pleasant to eat.
3. Environmental Factors Play a Role
The growing conditions can also affect how stringy Kentucky Wonder beans become.
If the plants experience stress from drought or extreme heat, the pods may develop tougher strings faster.
On the other hand, beans grown in consistent moisture and moderate temperatures tend to have more tender strings, especially when harvested at the right time.
So while Kentucky Wonder beans have strings no matter what, how you grow them can make a difference in how tough those strings get.
How to Deal With Strings on Kentucky Wonder Beans
Since Kentucky Wonder beans have strings, you’ll need to know how to handle them in the kitchen.
Here are the best approaches:
1. Harvest Young for Tender Pods
The easiest way to deal with strings on Kentucky Wonder beans is to harvest them young.
When pods are picked before the beans inside start to bulge, the strings are still soft and almost unnoticeable.
At this stage, you can often cook Kentucky Wonder beans whole without any special preparation.
Just snap off the ends and toss them in the pot.
2. String Older Pods Before Cooking
If your Kentucky Wonder beans have strings that have gotten tough, you’ll want to remove them before cooking.
Simply snap off the stem end and pull the string down along the seam of the pod.
It usually comes off in one long piece, and then you can do the same on the other side.
It takes a little extra time, but it’s worth it for a better eating experience.
3. Consider Them for Shelling Instead
If your Kentucky Wonder beans have strings and the pods are too tough to eat, don’t toss them.
You can let the beans inside fully mature and use them as shelling beans instead.
The fresh shelled beans are creamy and delicious in soups and stews.
Or you can let them dry completely and store them for later use as dry beans.
4. Cook Them Thoroughly
When Kentucky Wonder beans have strings that you’ve decided to leave on, cooking them thoroughly can help soften those strings.
Slow cooking, pressure cooking, or long simmering can break down the fibrous texture.
It won’t eliminate the strings entirely, but it can make them much less noticeable.
Are There Stringless Kentucky Wonder Varieties?
If the strings bother you, you might wonder if there’s a stringless version of Kentucky Wonder beans.
The answer is yes, sort of.
There’s a variety called Kentucky Wonder 125, which is known for being more tender and having fewer strings than the original.
There’s also the Kentucky Blue pole bean, which is a close relative that produces stringless pods.
However, purists will tell you that the original Kentucky Wonder beans have strings for a reason, and that reason is flavor.
Many gardeners believe the original stringed variety has the best taste of all.
So if you’re willing to put in a little extra prep work, the original Kentucky Wonder beans are still worth growing.
So, Do Kentucky Wonder Beans Have Strings?
Kentucky Wonder beans do have strings, especially when they’re allowed to mature on the vine.
However, those strings are easy to manage with a little know-how.
Harvest young for tender pods, string older ones before cooking, or use mature beans for shelling.
The bottom line is that while Kentucky Wonder beans have strings, they’re still one of the most beloved heirloom beans for good reason.
Their flavor and productivity make them a favorite in gardens year after year.
So don’t let the strings scare you off.
With a little practice, you’ll be enjoying these classic beans in no time.