Based on its name and appearance, one could objectively assume a sea-bean is in fact an actual bean; however, this is false. These treasured beach treats are seeds that can be found hanging from tropical vines, fruits, and trees along coastal regions and fresh water banks.
When high winds, storms, or good ole gravity get involved, they fall from their original homes into waterways like the Amazon and Mississippi river that carry them out with the tide. After days to years of drifting, they bank on foreign shores waiting to be found by hungry beach-combers like myself.
Due to the nature of ocean currents, some sea-beans can drift from Jamaica to the Gulf, Florida to the East Coast, the Atlantic, and all the way to the United Kingdom. Like true world traveling bums, they traverse the ocean’s interstate, enjoying the view and hitching rides on whatever free wave they can catch!
The semi-precious beans (Hamburgers, Sea-hearts, St. Mary’s Cross, Horse Eye, etc.) are particularly favored for their hard outer shells that can be polished and turned into ornamental jewelry. ((I’ll feature jewelry I’ve had done or made for me in later entries))
To those of you who live close to or plan on visiting a coastal area with a beach, I recommend devoting an hour or two of your weekend to hunting down sea-beans. It’ll make for a great day at the beach and satisfy the kid in you who still likes to play “I Spy!”
LINKS:
For further details, I suggest visiting these sites:
http://waynesword.palomar.edu/mucuna.htm
http://www.seabean.com/
http://beachbeans.blogspot.com/
