Black bean plants are one of the most popular legumes worldwide. They are used in many dishes and recipes.
Black beans are rich in protein, fiber, iron, folate, magnesium, zinc, potassium, copper, manganese, phosphorus, vitamin B6, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, pantothenic acid, and vitamin K.
Common black beans are grown in tropical areas such as Mexico, Central America, South America, Africa, India, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii.
These beans are commonly found in supermarkets and grocery stores.
There are two main varieties of black beans: dry and fresh. Dry beans are usually cooked and eaten whole while fresh beans are soaked overnight and then cooked.
Different Types Of Black Bean Plants
- Common Black Bean Plant
- Runner Bean Plant
- French Bean Plant
- Green bean
Bush type: This variety grows upright and tall. Bush-type black beans grow up to 3 feet tall.
Runner type:
Runner-type black beans grow fast and produce lots of pods. Runner-type black beans grow up 2-4 feet tall.
Runner beans are grown in temperate regions such as Europe, North America, and Asia. This type of bean is also known as stringless runner bean, snap bean, pole bean, and green bean.
Climbing type: Climbing type black beans grow up into trees and are usually planted in large pots.
Green bean: French beans are grown in temperate regions such as Europe, Asia, and North America. The French variety of this bean is called haricots verts.
Different types of black bean plants have different growing seasons. Some types of black bean plants can be harvested throughout the year whilst others must be harvested seasonally.
We look at some other common types of beans below.
1. Black Beans
Black beans are used for cooking, baking, and eating. Black beans are great for adding flavor to salads, soups, stews, and casseroles.
You can use canned black beans, but cooking dried ones yourself gives you more nutrients and makes them easier to digest.
Black beans are low in calories and fat making them a great option for those who are trying to lose weight. They are also a good source of carbohydrates, which gives you energy.
Plant seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last frost date and water frequently. They grow best in full sunlight. Fertilize after the first true leaf appears and harvest when pods begin to turn brown.
You can pickle or freeze fresh beans or dry beans and put them in an oven or dehydrator.
Black beans are low in calories and sodium. They are also rich in antioxidants, phytonutrients, and dietary fiber.
2. Great Northern Bean
Great Northern Beans are a type of bean that is grown mainly in Canada and the US. They are known for their mild flavor and creamy texture.
They are usually cooked in soups, stews, casseroles, and salads.
They grow well in cool weather and do well in dry soil. They are usually grown for their edible seeds. Their pods contain two beans per pod.
They are sometimes called “stringless peas” because they don’t string up when cooked.
The name “great northern” refers to the fact that these beans were first cultivated in Canada.
There are many different types of beans available, but Great Northern Beans are one of the most popular.
3. Kidney Bean
Kidney beans are used for making soups, stews, chili, and baked goods. They are also used to make bean dip, hummus, refried beans, and black bean burgers.
Kidney beans are also known as “black turtle beans” because they were once thought to improve vision.
4. Navy Bean
Navy beans are used for making soup, chili, and stews.
5. Pinto Bean
Pinto beans are used for making refried beans, chili con carne, tamales, burritos, tacos, enchiladas, bean dip, and many other dishes.
6. Red Kidney Bean
Red kidney beans grow quickly and produce large yields. They are versatile plants that can be grown in containers or in the garden as they do not require much space.
They can be planted directly in the soil or in pots. They can be started indoors and transplanted later.
If you live in an area where frost is common, you can plant seeds directly outdoors after the last frost date.
Red kidney beans like warm weather, but they tolerate cold temperatures better than other plants.
7. White Bean
White bean plants grow well indoors and outdoors. You should plant seeds directly into soil or pots and water thoroughly after planting.
You should provide adequate sunlight and fertilize once every two weeks with fish emulsion, then you should harvest pods when they turn brown.
Once harvested, dry beans in a warm, dry place until completely dried and then store dried beans in airtight containers.
8. Adzuki Bean
Adzuki bean plants grow well in warm climates and require little water. They are drought tolerant and do not require much fertilization.
They are hardy and can withstand temperatures down to -10°F (-23°) and can be grown indoors or outdoors.
Indoors, adzuki bean plants look great in hanging baskets, pots, or trays. Outdoors, they can be planted directly into the ground or in containers.
The seeds germinate quickly and easily and should be soaked overnight before planting. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart and water thoroughly after planting.
9. Chana Dal
Chana dahl plants grow well in warm climates. They require full sunlight and plenty of water and are harvested while immature. When mature, they turn yellowish-brown.
Chana dal plants are usually sold dried and can be stored in airtight containers for up to 6 months. Chana dal plants are considered a superfood because they are loaded with nutrition.
10. Chickpea
Chickpea plants require little water and don’t need much fertilizer. The seeds germinate quickly and easily.
You can plant them directly into the ground after the last frost date. Chickpea seeds are available in grocery stores and farmers’ markets.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to add more nutrition to your diet, try growing your own chickpeas.
11. Soybean
Soybeans are one of the most widely grown crops in the world. They are used to make tofu, soy milk, and many other products. Soybeans are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
They are also a source of plant estrogens called phytoestrogens. These compounds mimic estrogen in the human body.
Tips For Planting Black Beans And Other Beans
• Plant bush-type black beans in early spring. Bush-type black beans do well in warm weather and require little water.
• Plant runner-type black beans in late fall. Runner-type black beans are hardy and can withstand cold temperatures.
• Plant climbing type black beans in early winter. Climbing type black bean plants can survive freezing temperatures.
• Plant dry beans in early spring. Dry beans are best suited for warmer climates.
• Plant fresh green beans in early summer. Fresh green beans are best suited for cooler climates.
• Plant dry black beans in late summer. Dried black beans are best suited for colder climates.
• Plant frozen black beans in early spring or late fall. Frozen black beans are best suited to areas where there is no frost.
• Plant dried black beans in late summer or early fall. Dried black beans can tolerate colder temperatures than other types of beans.
• Plant fresh black beans in early spring in areas with mild winters. Fresh black beans are best suited in areas with moderate temperatures.
• Plant fresh red kidney beans in early spring. Red kidney beans are best suited for areas with cool summers and mild winters.
• Plant fresh lima beans in early spring. Lima beans are best suited for regions with cool summers and mild to moderate winters.
• Plant dry lima beans in late summer. Dry lima beans are best suited for locations with hot summers and mild winters. The dry limas need to be stored in a cool place until they are needed.
• Plant dry pinto beans in early spring. Pinto beans are best suited for warm climates.
• Plant dried pinto beans in late summer. The dried pinto beans should be stored in a cool location.
• Plant dry navy beans in early spring. Navy beans are best suited for temperate climates.
• Plant pinto beans in early summer. Pinto beans are suitable for temperate climates. They can also be planted in late summer.
• Plant dry white beans in early spring. White beans are best suited for tropical climates.
• Plant yellow wax beans in early spring. Yellow wax beans are best suited for subtropical climates.
• Plant snap beans in early spring. Snap beans are best suited for mild climates.
• Plant French lentils in early spring. Lentils are best suited for temperately warm climates.
• Grow fava beans in early spring or early summer. Fava beans are best suited for cool climates.
• Grow soybeans in early spring. Soybeans are best suited for temperate.
Final Thoughts
Black beans are a great addition to a healthy diet. And now you know more about these legumes, as well as some other common beans.
