History of the Bean - Different Types of Beans
Cultivation
Beans are an important staple crop in many parts of the world, and their history dates back thousands of years. In this article, we will explore the history of beans, including their origins, how they spread worldwide, and how they have been used throughout history.
Beans have a long and varied history, with archaeological evidence suggesting that they were cultivated as early as 7000 BCE in the region that is now Peru. Over time, beans were domesticated and cultivated in various parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Origins of Beans
Beans are a member of the legume family, which also includes peas and lentils. The origins of the legume family can be traced back to the Middle East, where they first domesticated over 10,000 years ago. The first beans to be cultivated were likely fava beans, widely used in ancient Egypt, Greece, and the Romans.
From the Middle East, beans quickly spread to other parts of the world. By 2000 BCE, they had reached India, and by 500 BCE they had made their way to China. In ancient Greece and the Romans, beans were considered a staple food and were often used in religious ceremonies. In fact, the famous philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras are said to have believed that beans were sacred and should not be eaten Greeks and Romans also prized beans for their nutritional value, and they were typical food in both societies.
Beans in the Americas
The most well-known of these beans is probably the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), which is native to South America and was introduced to Europe in the 16th century. While beans had been cultivated in the Old World for thousands of years, they did not make their way to the Americas until the arrival of Europeans in the 16th century. When Spanish explorers first arrived in the Americas, they found that many native cultures were already growing and eating beans. In fact, beans were an important part of the diet of many Native American tribes, including the Hopi, Navajo, and Pueblo peoples.
The most widely cultivated beans in the Americas were likely the common bean, also known as Phaseolus vulgaris. This species of bean was domesticated in the Andes Mountains of South America, and it quickly spread throughout the continent.
During the colonial period, beans became an important crop in the New World. They were easy to grow and could be stored for long periods, making them an ideal food for European settlers and Native Americans alike. The Pilgrims who settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts, relied on beans as a staple food during their first winter in the New World.
Cultural Significance of Beans
Beans has played an important role in the diets and cultures of many societies throughout history. In the Americas, beans were an important part of the diets of many indigenous cultures, including the Mayans and the Aztecs. They were often used in religious ceremonies and were believed to have healing properties.
In many cultures, beans are considered a symbol of fertility and abundance. They are often eaten on New Year’s Day to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year. In some cultures, beans are also associated with death and the afterlife.
Some types of beans cultivated over time are:
- Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean which includes the pinto bean, kidney bean, black bean, green bean, Appaloosa bean etc.)
- Phaseolus acutifolius (tepary bean)
- Phaseolus coccineus (runner bean)
- Phaseolus lunatus (lima bean)
- Phaseolus polyanthus (P. dumosus, in 1995 recognized as a separate species)
- Vicia faba (fava bean or broad bean)
- Vigna aconitifolia (moth bean)
- Vigna angularis (adzuki bean)
- Vigna mungo (urad bean)
- Vigna radiata (mung bean)
- Vigna subterranea (ground-bean or Bambara bean)
- Vigna umbellata (ricebean)
- Vigna unguiculata (cowpea which includes the black-eyed pea, yardlong bean etc.)
- Lathyrus sativus (Indian pea)
- Lathyrus tuberosus (tuberous pea)
- Lens culinaris (lentil)
- Lablab purpureus (hyacinth bean)
- Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (winged bean)
- Cajanus cajan (pigeon pea)
- Mucuna pruriens (velvet bean)
- Glycine max (soybean)
- Cicer arietinum (chickpea or garbanzo bean)
- Pisum sativum (pea)
- Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (guar)
- Canavalia ensiformis (jack bean)
- Canavalia gladiata (sword bean)
- Macrotyloma uniflorum (horse gram)
- Lupinus (Lupin)
- Lupinus mutabilis (tarwi)
- Lupinus albus (lupini bean)
- Arachis hypogaea (peanut)
Conclusion
The history of beans is a long and fascinating one, spanning thousands of years and many different cultures. From their origins in the Middle East to their spread throughout the world, beans have played an important role in the diets of people everywhere. Today, they are still an important staple food for many people, and they continue to be prized for their nutritional value and versatility in the kitchen.
Today, beans continue to be an important source of nutrition and are a staple food in many cultures around the world. They are also used in a variety of dishes, from chili and soup to salads and dips, and are an important ingredient in many vegetarian and vegan diets.