Dragon tongue bean facts for kids
 |
|
| Nutritional value per 132.8 g | |
|---|---|
| Energy | 0.874456 kJ (0.209000 kcal) |
|
19.5 g
|
|
| Sugars | 1 g |
| Dietary fiber | 5.4 g |
|
12.9 g
|
|
| Saturated | 1.9 g |
|
Protein
|
6.8 g
|
| Minerals | Quantity
%DV†
|
| Potassium |
1%
35 mg |
| Sodium |
48%
716 mg |
| †Percentages estimated using US recommendations for adults. Source: Caloriecount.com |
|
The Dragon tongue bean, also called the dragon tongue shelling bean, is a type of young green bean. It's related to cranberry beans and pinto beans. All these beans belong to the plant species Phaseolus vulgaris.
This special bean is an old variety, meaning it has been grown for a long time. You might also hear it called 'Dragon Langerie', 'Merveille de Piemonte', or 'Meraviglia del Piemonte'.
Contents
What Makes Dragon Tongue Beans Special?
Dragon tongue beans are known for their great taste and juicy texture. Their pods are a pretty yellow color with cool burgundy patterns. Inside the pods, the beans are a pale pistachio green. They are small, oval-shaped, and slightly curved.
How Fast Do They Grow?
These beans grow quite quickly! It takes about 55 to 60 days for the plant to be ready for harvest. Once the plant flowers, it takes only about 12 to 15 days for the beans to form. The fully grown plant usually reaches a height of 2 to 3 feet.
How to Grow Dragon Tongue Beans
Growing dragon tongue beans is fairly easy. They don't need a lot of special care. Here are the best conditions for them to grow:
- Soil Temperature: The soil should be warm, between 60–85°F (15–29°C), for the seeds to sprout.
- Seed Depth: Plant the seeds about 1 inch deep in the soil.
- Seed Spacing: Leave about 4 inches between each seed.
- Row Spacing: If you're planting in rows, make sure they are 18–36 inches apart.
- Fertilizer Needs: These beans don't need much fertilizer.
What Are They Used For?
Dragon tongue beans are very versatile in the kitchen! You can pick them when they are young and use the whole pod, just like a regular green bean (also known as a snap bean).
You can also let the beans grow longer and mature. When they are fully grown, you can open the pods and use only the seeds inside. This is why they are sometimes called "shelling beans."
