PlantFiles: Dry Bean, Orca Bean, Ying Yang Bean, Yin Yang Bean, Anasazi Bean
Phaseolus vulgaris 'Calypso'

Information only, I have not grown this plant.

All of these names designate a dry bean that is generally believed to have originated with the Anasazi People of the American southwest.

They can be marketed as a specific named cultivar or are simply designated calypso, orca, yin yang and Anasazi. The descriptions are generally for a bean that is partially white and spotted with either black, brown or tan.

There are several strains of these beans and the names are sometimes used interchangeably to describe them. All of these beans are similar in appearance and many times beans the look identical. There are several variations of the Calypso bean that are marketed as separate cultivars, and a registered Orca cultivar.

According to one vendor's description, "A dramatic find from the Common Ground Fair Exhibition Hall years back. We knew instantly that we had to offer these stark and stunning beans with markings uncannily similar to the Chinese yin/yang symbol. This black and white dry bean even includes a contrasting dot. Though not as heavy a yielder as King of the Early, Calypso dependably produces 4-5 beans per pod, with a texture similar to Yellow Eye." (90 days)