Beans, Beans and more Beans

Beans are versatile, flavourful, economical, environmentally friendly and nutrient-dense edible seeds in the forms of pods within the legume family. They are used in many different types of cuisines across numerous cultures. Naturally low in fat, with virtually no saturated fat or cholesterol, and rich in fiber and protein, beans make for a heart- and gut-friendly addition to any eating plan. Beans are also rich in polyphenols, vitamins and minerals.

Beans are such an easy vegetable to grow and are great for introducing kids to gardening.  Not only do beans germinate quickly and easily, they grow and produce fruit that can be eaten directly or cooked as desired. 

Phaseolus vulgaris are string or snap beans, which may be round or have a flat pod.  Stringless or French beans, which lack a tough, fibrous string running along the length of the pod; and runner beans, which belong to a separate species, Phaseolus coccineus. Green beans may have a purple rather than green pod, which changes to green when cooked. Yellow-podded green beans are also known as wax beans. Wax bean cultivars are commonly of the bush or dwarf form. In addition to their unique pod variations, green beans are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and folate.

Runner Beans are not suitable to grow in the tropics and sub-tropics. In cool and temperate climates, start sowing seed in late spring.  In warm climates sow Broad Beans in late autumn and early winter.  In temperate and cool regions, Beans can be sown from spring through to mid-late summer. The exception to this is Broad Beans, which should be sown during the cooler weather of autumn and winter.  

Sow Bean seeds direct where the plants are to grow as seedlings don’t tolerate transplanting well. Beans seeds are thankfully large, making them easy to handle and sow. Ensure to plant Bean seeds in well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging, which can harm seedlings.  

Check the seed packet of your chosen Bean, which includes details on the best sowing times in your area.

Bush Beans available at YourVegePatch

The following is a list of Bush Beans available for purchase at this online store:

	Bush Bean Seeds - Hawkesbury Wonder  Hawkesbury Wonder Bush Beans are a certified organic variety grown and harvested at GreenPatch Organic Seeds. It is a popular old stringless variety and is a strong grower and produces green pods up to 18cm long over a long period.
	Bush Bean Seeds - Redland Pioneer  Redland Pioneer Bush Beans are a untreated, open polinated seeds. They are a popular old Australian variety, compact bush flat, green stringless pods of good quality.
	Bush Bean Seeds - Royal Burgundy Royal Burgundy Bush Beans are a untreated, open polinated seeds. They are a compact bush variety that grows to around 50cm and produces purple pods that when cooked turn to green.  This is a stringless variety that adds colour to salads and can be eaten fresh or steamed.
	Bush Bean Seeds - Window Long Pod Window Long Pod is a popular variety, growing flat and stringless pods to 20cm long with red seeds.

 Climbing Beans available at YourVegePatch

	Climbing Bean Seeds - Red Noodle Snake or Red Long Pod The Red Noodle Snake Bean is a strong growing annual that grows to 2 metres tall, producing mauve flowers then an abundant crop of dark red long thing pods to 60cm.  These beans taste similar to asparagus and can be eaten fresh or cooked and will hold colour.  Harvest pods when they are no thicker than 1cm for the best flavour.
	Climbing Bean Seeds - Purple King The Red Noodle Snake Bean is a strong growing annual that grows to 2 metres tall, producing mauve flowers then an abundant crop of dark red long thing pods to 60cm.  These beans taste similar to asparagus and can be eaten fresh or cooked and will hold colour.  Harvest pods when they are no thicker than 1cm for the best flavour.

Beans are a nutritious, versatile and delicious addition to a well-balanced eating plan. Additionally, beans are satiating, budget-friendly, quick to prepare and convenient. Their impressive nutrition profile includes plant-based protein, fiber, polyphenols, vitamins and minerals. Also, because they're low in fat—with virtually no saturated fat and cholesterol—beans are heart healthy. Regular consumption of beans may a play a role in preventing certain diseases such as gut-related disease, diabetes, heart disease and colon cancer.