Michigan Black Beans Versus North Dakota Black Beans

This week the United States Department of Agriculture released it’s weekly dry edible bean release with surprising data on Michigan black beans. As I was looking through the report and making my notes, I happened to notice Michigan black beans and North Dakota blacks were at parity. I have never seen North Dakota black beans above value over Michigan black beans, or even at parity! Historically speaking, Michigan black beans carry a premium over North Dakota blacks every year due to the growing conditions in Michigan which produces a very tender black bean. However, this year Michigan black beans have become scarce (at the moment) and it seems North Dakota has decided to ride Michigan’s coat tail into higher black bean prices (which I can’t blame them for). Black bean acres in North Dakota were a bit shy from their projected United States Department of Agriculture estimates earlier in the season, perhaps this could be a reason for the pop in prices this week…or maybe not.

One of the favorite meals in our house is pork loin served with white rice, salad and of course… black beans (just blogging about it makes my mouth water and opens up my appetite). Before you ask, yes. Our family uses Michigan black beans when cooking because we simply prefer Michigan black beans over North Dakota blacks. Michigan black beans are more tender in it’s raw uncooked state versus their North Dakota cousins due to the different growing conditions in both places. Michigan black beans will typically cook faster and should be softer when chewing versus North Dakota black beans.

So where are we heading with all this yip-yap on black beans? Oh yes, I remember now, it’s about parity. Should North Dakota black beans be the same price as Michigan black beans? Well…. that would depend on who is being asked the question. If your a grower from North Dakota, perhaps the answer would be yes they should be; however, if you ask a Michigan black bean grower then answer would probably be different.

I think the million dollar question should be explored further by way of “The Famous Michigan Vs North Dakota Black Bean Cook Off”!

-Okay, so technically there is not “a famous” black bean cook off…….yet!

But don’t worry folks, we have plenty of time to establish the first one in 2015! More to come on that later!

The USDA is not going to post any new prices until after the new year as most dry bean & pulse industry participants are getting ready for CHRISTmas and the holidays. Everyone needs time off during the year to wind down, spend time with their families, friends, and just enjoy life! This will leave the dry bean and pulse market “as is” until everyone is back from vacation next year (about 2-3 weeks).

I am posting my wife’s “truly famous” black bean recipe so you can try it for your next delicious family dinner, just follow the pictured instructions and enjoy!

As for me, I too will be on hiatus to enjoy my family, friends, and celebrate the reason for the season!

Dry Pinto Beans wants to wish everyone a very Merry CHRISTmas and Happy Holiday Season! We look forward to a healthy, prosperous, and exciting 2015 with all of you!