Expanding the horizons of legume lovers: 7 best varieties of red beans

Beans are one of the ten most common and consumed vegetables in the world. It can be found in almost every vegetable garden and bed. This is an unpretentious plant of the legume family, which has beneficial properties and excellent taste.

In total, there are about 97 species, which are divided into a colossal number of varieties. Not all of them are cultivated, but the majority have value for humans. Plants differ in bush shape, pod, color, taste and other parameters. This allows the gardener to grow interesting and unusual plants on his plot.

Main classification

The plant is divided into groups according to several characteristics:

• in appearance and type - American, Asian varieties;
• according to the formation of the bush - climbing, semi-climbing, bush forms;
• according to the characteristics of the fruit - cereals, vegetable types.

The American group includes varieties with shortened (up to 20 cm) pods and large beans inside in quantities from 3 to 8 pieces. The Asian group includes plants with long (up to 1 meter) pods containing more than 20 small grains. The inside of the doors does not have the permanent coating characteristic of “Americans”.

Shape of bushes

In regions with a mild, warm climate, gardeners grow different types of beans. For Siberia and the Urals, bush varieties will be more suitable. The growing season of the plant is longer for climbing varieties. They do not have time to reach full maturity during the short, cool summer.

Curly

The plant is in the form of long (up to 5 meters) thin vines that need support. They are planted in areas where it is necessary to save space. Bushes can be planted along fences and walls of buildings to camouflage or decorate facades.

Semi curly shape

Identical to the first species, but the length of the processes reaches no more than 2 meters. Bean plantings are used to decorate arches and gazebos. The plant is planted around the perimeter of the buildings and tied to the details of the buildings. All summer long, overgrown bean bushes will shade gazebos, arches, and pergolas.

Bush

The height of the bushes is only 55-60 cm. The plant is unpretentious and produces a good harvest on any soil. Compact bushes tolerate dry periods well and are resistant to sudden temperature changes. It has a short growing season before ripening, from 1.5 to 2.5 months.

Types of fruits

Bean pods and grains are eaten. To do this, open the fruit flaps and husk (take out) the peas.

Cereals

This group includes beans, from which only the grains are eaten. As the pods mature, they become hard and unsuitable for food. Their doors are covered with a fibrous (parchment) layer.

They are suitable for feeding livestock or poultry. The grains are hulled and consumed fresh or stored for the winter.

Vegetables

Pods of these species are eaten at the stage of “milk” ripeness, and for the winter they can be frozen, pickled or pickled.

The valves of such fruits do not open. The grains in them are very small and cannot be removed from the valves.

Advice.

If desired, you can get small grains from a vegetable bean pod in the following way: cut the fruit into pieces 10 cm long and squeeze the peas out of them with a thin wooden stick.

What is the structure of the bush?

Beans can look like a neat green bush or like a long vine . Many varieties are not only nutritious, but also decorative - they will decorate the garden interior. According to external characteristics, plants are divided into:

• bush;
• curly;
• semi-curly.

Bush

Unpretentious, not afraid of cold weather, 40–60 cm high. They ripen quickly, produce a bountiful harvest, and do not need support or tying. These are the varieties that are grown on an industrial scale.

Curly

Scourges of these varieties reach five meters. Plants are placed near fences, walls, various buildings or trees. They decorate the garden plot during the periods of flowering and fruit formation. In an open place, you will need supports up to two meters.

Climbing edible varieties produce a lot of fruit. A few plants can provide beans for the entire year. They ripen longer than bush varieties and do not like frost. Planted after the onset of stable heat.

Semi-curly

If the length of the lashes ranges from 70cm to two meters, this is a semi-curly variety. Needs support, tying up, produces a bountiful harvest.

Helpful information:

• Climbing and semi-climbing beans save a lot of space. Relevant for those who have a small area.
• After planting beans, the soil is enriched with nitrogen, which must be taken into account when planning crops for the next season.

Shape and color of beans

Bean fruits come in a variety of colors and shapes. The pods can be long up to 20 cm or shortened 8-10 cm. Their color matches the color of the grains. There are varieties painted in monochrome or variegated shades.

Red

It is most popular in Russia and the countries of the American continent. Slightly inferior in taste to other types. Its grains are fleshy, tasty, and contain a large amount of proteins and antioxidants. The pods are colored pink, red and burgundy.

Varieties include:

• Azuki;
• Ethiopian;
• Kidney;
• Tashkent

White

It is grown in many countries. White grains are nutritious and valued for their high iron content. Due to their low protein levels, they are recommended for dietary use. Dishes made from such beans are prepared faster than from other types of grains. The most common varieties:

• Belozerka;
• Lotus;
• Navy;
• Chali;
• White flat.

Black

The grains are dark purple, almost black. The skin of the peas is shiny with a pearlescent tint. 100 grams contain at least 9 g of protein and a lot of potassium. The beans and pods have a slightly sweet taste. Varieties:

• Black opal;
• Ryabushka;
• Black Pearl;
• Preto;
• Kidney.

Motley

The monochrome color of its fruits (pods and beans) is diluted with lighter or darker inclusions.

• Black eye - the main white color is interspersed with dark spots;
• Pinto - a beige shade interspersed with brown and red dots;
• Swallow - The white skin has a darker swallow-wing pattern.

Advice.

You can speed up the cooking of beans by soaking the beans for 3-4 hours in water at room temperature. Cooking time will be reduced by 10-15 minutes.

Ripening time

According to the growing season, beans are divided into groups: early, mid-season and late varieties. The longest period of time from the appearance of the first shoots to the beginning of fruiting is found in crops that ripen at 130-140 days. After 80-100 days, varieties of medium ripening periods begin to bear fruit. Early crops produce the first harvest after 65-80 days.

What is the difference between red and white?

The most popular beans are white and red, they have very similar properties.:

1. Protein is absorbed quickly, saturates and does not overload a person.
2. Lots of dietary fiber.
3. Complex carbohydrates provide energy and do not increase body weight.
4. Potassium and magnesium help the heart and blood vessels.
5. Strengthens the nerves.

However, there are also differences between plants that are similar to each other, red and white. Let's look at the difference between red and white beans and which is better.

Red beans:

• superior in the number of antioxidants;
• inhibits cell aging;
• filled with vitamins B, A, K, C, PP;
• contains a lot of zinc, potassium, iron, copper;
• stabilizes blood pressure and sugar;
• saturates with energy, takes longer to digest, is especially useful during physical activity;
• necessary for pregnant women, affects blood formation, cell growth and development;
• raises hemoglobin;
• cleanses the kidneys, removes excess fluid;
• fights tartar;
• works as an antidepressant;
• prepare sauces, salads, appetizers, and some soups.

White beans:

• superior in the amount of fiber;
• low-calorie, easily digestible;
• strengthens nails, teeth, hair;
• stimulates brain activity;
• normalizes metabolism;
• reduces blood sugar;
• regenerates tissue;
• strengthens the nervous system;
• especially useful for heart patients and diabetics;
• used in cosmetology;
• prepare soups, salads, purees.

Determining which is better, red or white beans, is difficult. Both types are the best replacement for meat and some dairy products; they are necessary and healthy. Ideal for the prevention of osteoporosis and obesity.

The best varieties of beans for open ground with photos and names

Breeders from different countries have developed many varieties of beans. They differ from each other in height, bush shape, color, and fruit size. The ripening period is constantly decreasing. From a huge number of hybrids, gardeners can choose the variety that will satisfy them in all respects.

Hulling (grain)

There are many varieties of this type of bean, they differ in the shape of the bushes and the color of the grains, but in one thing they are identical - only ripened beans are eaten.

Kidney beans

This group of plants consists of several varieties of beans differing in color, but not in bean shape. They all resemble a human kidney. Its seeds were brought to Europe by Spanish traders from Peru. Culture refers to an ordinary species. It is highly rated for its high protein content and good taste of the grains.

Pinto beans (variegated)

It differs from other types in the original color of the bean grains. On a soft pink background there are interspersed with various darker spots. Country of origin: Spain. Popular in Latin America and the USA. It is highly rated for its excellent taste and high protein and amino acid content. Used in dietary nutrition. Cooking time - up to 1.5 hours.

Holly beans (tepary)

A semi-climbing plant with thin vines up to 2 m long. Bush forms with curly tops are also cultivated. Has a high degree of drought resistance. The bean pods have a parchment layer. The grain size reaches only 5-10 mm. In terms of protein content and beneficial microelements, it is inferior to other varieties.

Beans Swallow

Refers to early ripening varieties. The bushes are compact, up to 60 cm high. The average length of the pods is up to 15 cm. The grains are white with a dark pattern in the form of a bird’s wing. The plant is heat-loving, suitable for growing in warm climates or in greenhouses. Seeds are planted in open beds at a temperature not lower than 14-15°C.

Beans Chocolate Girl

The growing season of the variety is up to 100 days. The bushes are low, from 45 to 60 cm, not prone to lodging, resistant to drought and some viral and fungal diseases: bacteriosis, anthracnose. Pods are straight, up to 15 cm long. The color of the grains is brown, reminiscent of the color of chocolate. Beans contain up to 25% protein and microelements: magnesium, iron, potassium.

Red Riding Hood beans

The height of the bush is no more than 35 cm. It belongs to the grain species. The inner surface of the valves is covered with a parchment layer. The color of the grains is two-color: white is the main color, at the top there is a bright red spot in the form of a cap. The variety is mid-season, the growing season to commercial ripeness is about 110 days.

Royal grain beans

A climbing plant with vines up to 4 meters long that require support. The pods are large (15-18 cm) with 3-4 white beans.

Frost resistance is low; the air temperature for germination should be at least 12°C.

The variety is valued for its high content of protein and microelements necessary for humans. Used in cooking for preparing dietary dishes.

Grain beans Beauty

The variety is resistant to low temperatures and germinates even at + 8°C. The bushes are low, up to 50-60 cm. The growing season is short, from the emergence of seedlings to the ripening of the first fruits, no more than 60 days pass. The grains are red with white spots and have a pleasant taste. They are used for preparing dietary dishes.

Ruby beans

The bushes are low-growing, up to 60 cm high. The leaves are triangular or round in shape. The color of the grains is red with white streaks. The variety is resistant to low temperatures, but does not tolerate drought well. The yield is high - 25 c/ha. Has excellent taste.

Yin Yang Beans

The plant is cultivated as a low-growing bush up to 45 cm high. Only grains of the original spotted color are eaten. They have two primary colors - black and white in the form of spots of various shapes.

Asparagus (vegetables)

This group of plants includes sugar and semi-sugar varieties of bush or climbing varieties of crops. Their fruits are collected from the bushes in the early stages of ripening, and the pods and grains of milky ripeness are eaten.

Yellow Green Beans

This variety is cultivated in the form of low bushes with yellow pods. The size of the fruit is 10 cm, the number of grains in it is about 8 pieces. The fruits are collected and eaten at the earliest stages of ripening, when they are tender and juicy in taste. At this stage, the pods contain many useful substances. They can be eaten raw or stewed.

Fava

This variety can be classified as both asparagus and grain varieties of beans. At the stage of “milk” ripeness, pods and grains are eaten. When fully ripe, only beans can be eaten.

Vigna varieties

This plant, or rather one of its varieties, comes from Asia. The main morphological indicators for all varieties are tall stems up to 4-5 meters and long serpentine-shaped pods.

In some cases, bush varieties are cultivated: Mash, Katyang, Korean beans, Adzuki. Bushes with short vines - varieties Macaretti and Darla.

Varieties of later ripening periods are climbing or decorative: Countess, Chinese, Japanese, long-fruited black.

Advice.

When choosing bean seeds for planting in the garden, you need to take into account many nuances. You cannot plant heat-loving plant varieties in open ground if the climatic conditions of your region do not allow it.

Seed preparation

Beans have phenomenal germination - there is no need to stimulate or harden them. An intact bean will germinate in any case.

It makes sense to pre-calibrate the beans, choosing only even, smooth specimens of the same size for planting.

Beans are sown dry or sprouted, depending on how soon they expect to sprout.

Germination of beans occurs in a shallow container between two layers of damp material and takes no more than 3-5 days.

Pre-sprouted beans must be placed in holes with greater care; they will sprout earlier, but are more vulnerable to return frosts and birds feasting on the beds - for some reason they find sprouted beans underground faster.

Bean varieties for growing in different regions

The range of legume seeds is very large and varied; varieties and hybrids of beans of different ripening periods are available for sale. Gardeners from any region can freely choose those crops that can be grown in their area.

Bush varieties of beans are more adapted to growing in the cool climate of the Urals and Siberia. Heat-loving green beans prefer to grow in places with warm and long summers. In the Siberian region, late varieties do not have time to fully ripen.

Reviews

Sokolova Maria, 31 years old, Ukraine

In my garden I grow different varieties of dietary beans: Countess, Chinese, Lastochka. Caring for the bushes is not difficult, only the tall Chinese variety with long vines needs to be tied up. I planted her along the wall of the barn. The plant covers the unsightly appearance of the wall and decorates the area with its flowers in the spring.

Ivanova Tatyana, 44 years old, Novosibirsk

I plant beans in a greenhouse. I use low-growing bush varieties Rubin and Krasavitsa for planting. The harvest is excellent; I remove 2-3 buckets of pods from 10 bushes. I store the grains in the cellar or prepare salads from them with the addition of other vegetables. They take a long time to cook, so I first soak the beans for 24 hours.

Gleb Skvortsov, 52 years old, Cheboksary

I have a large garden that can accommodate all the plants I need. Beans do not require special care and hardly get sick. After collecting the pods, I chop the green mass and incorporate it into the soil instead of fertilizer. I noticed that the ants had disappeared in these places. The remains of the pods are used as food for pigs, rabbits and goats. They eat them with pleasure.

Advice.

Before purchasing bean seeds, you need to study all the characteristics inherent in the selected variety: ripening time, climatic growing conditions, and other characteristics of the plant.