Saving seeds from green beans

I know you can let green beans go to seed and save the seed. My question is: Are they as nutritious as say Pinto beans? Can they be made into baked beans and taste the same? I planted some pole beans that we didn’t like so I’ve been letting them dry. Now I’m not sure it’s worth the effort to shell and keep the seeds. And of course I can’t remember what I planted so I will not repeat my mistake.

Becky McKim
Ankeny, Iowa

Yes, any green beans or other beans used for snap or shell beans can be dried and used as dry beans like navy and pinto beans. Yes, you can use them as baked beans, refried beans or any other use. Some are better tasting than others but that goes with any crop and also has a lot to do with the cooking method. Almost all old-timers used to do this and so can you. — Jackie

Canning mayonnaise

Looks like a wonderful crop for you this year…congrats. I was buying BOGO mayonnaise a few weeks ago to have on hand. I began wondering if you could can homemade mayo? Could I re-can large containers purchased at Costco? Thanks for your countless nuggets of wisdom and advice. We are beginning to settle on our new acreage…so much to do!

Judith Almand
Lithia, Florida

Sorry but mayonnaise and salad dressing are two things that I can’t find any solid, reliable information on canning safely. I’m sure it’s possible as companies sure can it. But because of the ingredients, it would not be safe to can at home without specific, safe recommendations. Congratulations on your move to your new homestead! What an adventure. — Jackie

Saving Hopi Pale Grey seed

This is my first time growing the Grey Hopi Squash here in Maine, I had a wonderful crop with minimal bug damage … I want to save the seed but I planted cucumbers about 50 feet away … will that impact the seed in any way?

Liz Stone
Newport, Maine

I’m glad you got a good crop of Hopi Pale Grey squash. Great, aren’t they? Nope, the cucumbers won’t cross with the squash so you’re good to go. When you save your seeds, harvest the squash and let them mature in a warm, dry area for a month or so, then cut one open, pick out the seeds, dry them on a cookie sheet on the counter and eat your squash. Enjoy! — Jackie

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