A know-how that dates back to the 18th century

The Aisne department has been known for its dry bean production since the 18th century. Several bean species and varieties were once present on this territory, but only the "Haricot de Soissons" is still grown today by producers, who keep alive an ancestral know-how. Sowing is carried out on carefully selected plots to avoid frost, with rows spaced to ensure optimal aeration and sunlight. The choice of the botanical species Phaseolus coccineus for the "Haricot de Soissons" guarantees climbing, hardy and very vigorous plants that will be staked to guide them upwards. Harvesting is carried out by hand when the pods are dry and predominantly brown in color, either by picking the pods in one or more passes, or by picking the whole plant, at least 3 weeks after cutting the plants. Threshing, sorting and storage preserve the quality and conservation of the beans. All stages of production, from sowing to threshing, are carried out in the "Haricot de Soissons" geographical area. Its heart is in Soissons, but its influence extends beyond the town, to several surrounding communes, in an environment of plains and valleys.