Species: Phaseolus vulgaris
Regional heritage: Kastamonu, northern Turkey
Growth habit: Climbing / pole
A traditional Turkish bean associated with the Kastamonu region, known for its beautiful markings that resemble a work of art. Its cream-white seeds have brown patches with darker patterns within them.
Empirme, also written Empürme, refers to patterned or printed fabric in Turkish and is used locally for patterned beans. Different local varieties bear this name; this bean has been identified as the Kastamonu type.
The pods are picked green for pickling, a tradition in Turkey’s Black Sea region, while the mature, dried beans are used in traditional bean dishes. Their distinctive markings remain noticeable after cooking. Thin-skinned and quick to cook, the beans have a particularly pronounced flavour.
A little-known, localised bean, with conservation efforts in Turkey helping to keep Empürme varieties in cultivation.
Long maintained by a Turkish community member.
