We are growing a snap pole bean this year which the seed company labelled an "Italian Heirloom" and, further, described as a "European Romano". Nice long flat snap bean, kind of a light green color. (I'm not identifying the seed company at the moment, because this question may sound kind of critical and it is not my intention to criticize this company, just get some information and opinions from fellow vegetable gardeners).
I immediately consulted "Plant Files" elsewhere on this site and found several "Romano" type beans (I assume all of them Italian in origin), each with a slightly different twist in terms of description.
Here's my question. Is there such as thing as a "generic heirloom", that is an entire class of cultivars under one broad generic name (despite more minute, precise differences within the cultivar). I'm sensing the same kind of thing with regard to "Anaheim" peppers (is that a precise cultivar or just a broader class within which multiple cultivars, including some heirlooms, might be classified?).
I realize I could post this elsewhere on the board (like "Heirlooms") and could also contact the seed company with some follow-up questions but I'm starting here because I'm hoping you can give me some guidance on my general question. Thanks much!!
Heirloom bean or generic?
'Heirlooms' are the rage now and I suspect that it's a case of constructive advertising on the package label to sell more packages of bean seeds.
Chances are , it's an open pollinated romano that more than likely had a name at some point, but seed companies are notorious for re-naming stuff that isn't moving in an effort to generate some interest.
More than likely, it's a case of a packaging manager who wants to generate sales...thus the 'heirloom' designation without a name.
A true heirloom seed that is offered commercially will have a variety name...and responsible companies will usually offer a blurb telling why it gets the name. I'm sure that the beans will be tasty, I've never met a Romano I didn't like, but as to finding the correct name...it's pretty doubtful that that will happen.
Thanks Melody for your helpful response.
In fairness to the unnamed seed company, I went back and carefully re-read the description of the bean in question. The company lists some of their beans as "heirloom," some as "heirloom and rare" and some as simply "rare". This bean was in the simply "rare" category. My bad. (I'm not sure how rare a Romano bean is, but I can't criticize the company for any truth in advertising funny business). It is kind of implied, but nowhere do they actually use the word "heirloom" in connection with this specific cultivar.
By the way, they ARE good tasting and growing well, thanks.