Catjang facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Vigna unguiculata subsp. cylindrica |
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Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Vigna |
| Species: |
V. unguiculata
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| Subspecies: |
V. u. subsp. cylindrica
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| Trinomial name | |
| Vigna unguiculata subsp. cylindrica |
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Catjang (Vigna unguiculata subsp. cylindrica) is a special type of cowpea. Think of it like a cousin in the cowpea family! This plant first grew in Africa. It is a strong, bushy plant that can live for many years. It likes warm places in the Old World tropics.
Today, you can find catjang growing in many other warm parts of the world. In the United States, it is mostly grown as fodder. This means it is used to feed farm animals. But in other countries, people grow catjang to eat it themselves. The name "catjang" comes from the Indonesian and Malay word kacang. This word is used for all kinds of beans and nuts.
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What is Catjang?
Catjang is a subspecies of the cowpea. A "subspecies" is a group of plants within a species that has slightly different traits. It's like different breeds of dogs within the dog species. The catjang plant is known for being tough and growing well in hot climates. It can grow as a small, upright bush.
Where Does Catjang Grow?
Catjang is native to Africa. This means it started growing there naturally. Over time, it spread to other warm, tropical regions around the world. It thrives in places with lots of sunshine and warmth. You can find it growing in parts of Asia and other warm areas.
How is Catjang Used?
Catjang is a versatile plant. In some places, it is grown mainly for animal feed. This is called "fodder." Animals like cows and goats can eat the leaves and pods. This helps them get important nutrients.
In many other countries, especially in Asia, catjang is an important food crop for people. The beans are eaten in different ways. They can be cooked fresh, dried, or even ground into flour.
Catjang and Your Health
Catjang is a very healthy food choice. It is low in saturated fat, which is good for your heart. It also has many important nutrients that your body needs to stay strong and healthy.
Key Nutrients in Catjang
Catjang is packed with good stuff! It is a great source of:
- Dietary fiber: This helps your digestion and keeps your tummy happy.
- Protein: This is important for building and repairing your body's cells.
- Iron: This helps your blood carry oxygen around your body.
- Phosphorus: This works with calcium to build strong bones and teeth.
- Zinc: This helps your immune system fight off sickness.
- Copper: This helps your body make red blood cells.
- Manganese: This helps your body use energy from food.
Catjang is also an excellent source of folate and magnesium. Folate is important for growth and development. Magnesium helps your muscles and nerves work properly. Eating catjang can be a tasty way to get many of the vitamins and minerals you need!
