bobby bean

English

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Noun

bobby bean (plural bobby beans)

1. A French bean that is larger than 8mm in diameter, typically from a variety such as Nerina, Bronco, or Paulista.
   • 2001, Oliver Morrissey, Igor Filatotchev, Globalisation and Trade, →ISBN:

     Similarly, the recent boom in imports of fine beans from Egypt has been based on pre-existing capabilities in growing the less sophisticated bobby beans.

   • 2001, Commonwealth Secretariat, Guidelines for Exporters of Fruit and Vegetables to the European Markets, →ISBN:

     For the UK market, it is important to note that fine beans are only acceptable up to a maximum of 7-5.5mm diameter. Thus, in this market, fine beans range from 6 to 7.5mm and bobby beans must be at least 8.5mm. Any product between 7.5 and 8.5mm is hard to sell.

   • 2007, Julius Juma Okello, Clare Narrod, Devesh Roy, Food Safety Requirements in African Green Bean Exports and Their Impact on Small Farmers, page 4:

     Bobby beans are produced mostly in large plantations, as they are less labor-intensive than the extra fine beans, which tend to do better in smallholder farms due to high labor requirements.