Fabacées • Phaseolus vulgaris var. nana

Comtesse de Chambord Dwarf Bean - Organic

"An ancient treasure of the gardens, rich in memories and flavors, faithful to cool soils."

$4.49

Number of seeds 40 seeds

Originating in France, the Comtesse de Chambord dwarf bean embodies the refinement of old gardens and the richness of a seed heritage to be preserved. A descendant of period kitchen gardens, it evokes the orderly plots of château gardens, while also appealing to modern gardeners seeking elegance, gentleness… and flavor.

Its compact, bushy habit, adorned with medium-green foliage, reveals long, straight, glossy pods. Inside are small, white seeds of exceptional culinary quality. But the Comtesse is not without its demands: it is capricious with the first spring frosts and dislikes overly cool mornings. While it may appear fragile at the beginning of the season, it thrives magnificently under a tunnel or in a sheltered location, where warmth and attention provide it with peace of mind.

When cultivated with care, it yields one of the most tender and melting flesh imaginable, rewarding the attentive gardener with a generous harvest of rare refinement. A precious, delicate yet reliable variety, it invites us to rediscover the gentle touch and the pleasure of cultivating slowly and lovingly.

Growing climate: Temperate to cool climate
Sowing difficulty level: Easy
Care required: Occasional

Note: Prefers cool, well-drained soil, sensitive to prolonged droughts.

Renowned for its unparalleled tenderness, the Comtesse de Chambord is a culinary treasure, whether fresh or dried. Harvested young, its long, smooth pods are best enjoyed whole, barely blanched, where their delicate texture and mild flavor delight discerning palates. They lend themselves to simple preparations, sautéed in butter with a touch of garlic, or in a warm salad with hazelnut oil to reveal their full subtlety.

The fine, white, dried grains are a welcome addition to soups, light cassoulets, and stews. Their firm texture during cooking and subtle flavor make them a choice ingredient for elegantly reinventing traditional country recipes.

Long cultivated in family vegetable gardens, this variety evokes summer meals shared in the shade of a fig tree, the kind of cooking grandmothers do, where simplicity rhymes with refinement. It's a traditional bean, to be rediscovered like opening a drawer of an old herbarium: with curiosity, respect, and wonder.