Kidney beans are among popular legumes.
Legumes are the seeds that grow inside pods and are eaten sprouted, fresh or dried. Dried legumes are also ground into a flour. Garbanzo beans, kidney beans and pinto beans are all examples of popularly used legumes. Legumes are rich in nutrients such as protein, iron, potassium, fiber and B vitamins. Legumes fit into a healthy diet because they are low in fat and have no cholesterol. Legumes are used as a primary protein source in the cuisine of many cultures and in vegetarian diets. Does this Spark an idea?
Black Eyed Peas
Black-eyed peas (Vigna unguiculata) are also referred to as cowpeas and are a favorite southern legume. The young leaves of the plants are also edible. Black-eyed peas are a native of Africa, where the legume is an important food source. The peas get their name from the black circle with brown center on each pea. The plants come in vining and non-vining varieties and thrive in hot climates. The peas are contained in slender, 6 to 10 inch pods that resemble green beans. The peas are ready for harvest in 80 to 90 days from planting date. The best time to plant black-eyed peas is after the last frost date when soil temperatures have reached 65 degrees or more. Plant black-eyed peas in full sun and well-drained soil amended with compost.
Fava Beans
Fava beans (Vicia faba) are also referred to as horse beans, broad beans and English beans. Though a fava bean is a legume, it is more closely related to vetch, a herbaceous plant from the pea family, than to a garden bean or legume. Fava beans grow best in areas with long, cool summers and are not well tolerant of very high summer temperatures. In northern gardens, fava beans are often the substitute for lima beans, given the short growing season. The best time to plant fava beans is during early spring. Plant seeds 1 to 2 inches deep and 3 to 6 inches apart. Harvest fava beans when the pods are still green, but thick and full of seeds.
Lima Beans
Lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus) are also referred to as butter beans. The legume is grown for the immature seeds, which are shelled out of the pod and then dried for use. Lima beans are sensitive to frost and cold temperatures and demand a well-drained soil for optimal growth. The standard varieties of lima beans need at least three to four months to mature before they can be harvested. The early maturing varieties include bush-type and baby limas. Harvest lima beans when the pods are well-filled and plump but still bright green.
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