can also be very variable according to the variety, growing conditions and
storage conditions. Fortunately, Phaseolus species (and other legumes) have a
high content of the essential amino acid lysine, and so can supplement cereal
proteins that are generally low in lysine.- Green pods are the other main use for haricot beans. In Europe, America and
other temperate zones they are more normally grown for these immature pods,
either eaten as a vegetable or canned, dehydrated or frozen. - Green beans are sometimes shelled from their pods and eaten as a vegetable.
- Leaves are sometimes used as a salad or potherb, or as famine food, in Asia and
Africa. - Stems, dried leaves and other parts not suitable for human consumption make
useful livestock or poultry food, having a protein content of about 6%.
LIMITATIONS
- Yields of Phaseolus vulgaris are generally low, for a number of reasons, the
most common being damage caused by diseases and/or insects. Inoculation of
seed can sometimes be beneficial, but the yield response is unpredictable partly
due to the uncertainty regarding appropriate Rhizobia strains for specific - Cooking time for the dry beans is relatively long, and must be vigorous to
destroy lectins. - Deficiency of the essential amino acids methionine and cystine (and
tryptophan). - In storage the grain is liable to develop moulds (fungi), hard shells and a bad taste.
- Frost—the plants are extremely sensitive to sub-zero temperatures.
Lentil
Lens culinaris (Syn. L. esculenta, Ervum lens)
(Red) Dahl / Dal, Split Pea; Gram
Lentille (French); Linse (German); Lenteja (Spanish); Lentilha (Portuguese);
Adesi (East Africa); Ads Masri (Sudan); Missar (Amharic), Bersem, Bursun, Birsin
(Ethiopia); Masur (Hindi); Sharkhal (Dari); Chaunangi, Chirisanagalu, Misurpappu,
Thulukkappayar (India)
The lentil is one of the most ancient food crops, and has been cultivated since at
least 6700 BC in the eastern Mediterranean. The red pottage of lentils for which
Esau sold his birthright was probably made from the red Egyptian lentil. A number
of different types of lentils are now grown in large areas in warm temperate and
subtropical regions, and in the tropics as a cool season crop or at high altitudes.
The major producers are India, Pakistan, Turkey, Syria, Russia, Spain and
Ethiopia. Lentils were introduced successfully into the New World and are now
grown in Argentina, Chile and Washington State, North America. Global production
estimated by FAO in 2004 was about 3.8 million MT.
varieties and growing conditions. This topic is discussed in 1Fe, page 54.