Beans

 Have been doing some research on Beans and are amazed at how many different kinds there are, in fact over 4000 varieties.  Beans are one of the longest cultivated plants and have been grown in Thailand since the 7th Millenium BC.  The common bean has been cultivated in the Americas for over 6000 years.Many of the dried varieties of Beans are a good source of vegetable protein, have 7% carbohyrates, are rich in vitamins and are important food staples.  Some contain more protein than meat. They are a good source of fibre and we should have at least one meal of beans or legumes a week.  You can use canned beans in rissoles, stews and stir fries, their uses are many.Fresh beans can be served as a hot vegetable, or cooked then served cold in a green salad. Here are some of the varieties that you are sure to have heard of

• broad beans
• butter beans
• borlotti beans
• cannelini beans
• four bean mix
• green bean or common bean
• haricot or white bean used in baked beans
• hyacinth
• lima
• kidney beans
• purple bean
• mung beans
• snake beans
• soy beans
• jelly beans!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I had to put that one in, not really the healthy variety but yummy all the same