String Beans

String beans, French beans also known as Runner beans is a vegetable that is used in cuisines across the globe but originated in Peru. The other common names are Snap bean, Bush bean, Pole bean, Common bean, Kidney bean, and Pinto bean. It belongs to the family Leguminosae (Fabaceae).

Beans traveled to South and North America through the Indians and was bought into Europe around 16th century by Spanish explorers and subsequently spread to other parts of the world. In Kannada it is known as Huralikayi and Anna Saru with Huralikayi Palya is a standard menu in any of the South Karnataka Brahmin households. The botanical name is Phaseolus vulgaris.

Beans are green but with modern technology off white, purple, red and streaked are grown.

Green beans plants fall into two major groups, bush beans and pole beans. Bush beans are perennial short plants that grow up to two feet in height and the harvesting can take place in 50 to 55 days. Pole beans grow up to 10 feet in height and they need support and these can be harvested in 50 to 60 days. The flowers are in many hues about 2 cm wide.

The beans are either flat, oval or rounded. When tender, the whole beans are used in cuisines. When the beans mature, the beans inside are taken out and cooked.

Although Beans are available in India throughout the year, low priced good quality Beans are available
from Oct to Jan. Largest producers of fresh green beans include the United States, China, Japan, Spain,
Italy and France.

Propagation
The seeds are planted 1-2 inches deep in loose, moist soil under full sun. Keep the plants watered. They can be grown in pots too. Beetles, slugs, aphids and fungal diseases are some of the problems faced by the plants.

Health Benefits
Green beans are low in calories and contain many important nutrients required for the human body. It contains Vitamin A, C, Manganese, dietary fiber, Potassium, Folate and Iron. The other goodness in Beans is Thiamin, Riboflavin, Copper, Calcium, Phosphorus, Protein, Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Niacin. Beans prevents colon cancer, has anti-inflammatory nutrients, good for anemic patients and lactating mothers, reduces symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Hence consuming Beans frequently is good for all
ages.