Neither yield nor seed size increases when Dark Red Kidney beans are cut after the average moisture content has reached 50%, according to this report of Davis tests. Susceptibility to mechanical damage and to splitting in the canned product continues to increase in beans cut after they have reached 50% moisture. Other advantages to earlier cutting include earlier marketing possibilities, more leaves to buffer seed damage during threshing, and higher quality beans.

S and W Foods, Redwood City, cooperated in the cannery testing. This research is part of Project 772.