Flat bean facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 'Flat bean' |
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|---|---|
| Species | Phaseolus vulgaris |
| Marketing names | 'Romano bean', 'Helda beans', 'Gavar fhali' |
| Origin | Italy |
Flat beans are a special kind of bean known for their wide, flat pods. You might also hear them called helda beans or romano beans. In some parts of India, they are known as "sem fhali."
These beans are a type of Phaseolus coccineus, which is a close relative of the common bean. Unlike some beans where you only eat the seeds, with flat beans, you eat the whole pod!
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What are Flat Beans?
Flat beans get their name from their unique shape. Their pods are much wider and flatter than regular green beans. They are part of the legume family, which includes many other beans, peas, and lentils.
Flat beans are usually picked when they are young and tender. This is when they taste best and are easiest to cook. They are a healthy addition to many meals.
Where Do Flat Beans Come From?
Flat beans are thought to have originated in Italy. They have been grown and enjoyed there for a long time. Today, they are popular in many parts of the world, especially in Europe and Asia.
They grow on climbing plants, much like other pole beans. These plants need support to grow tall, like a pole or a trellis.
How Do We Eat Flat Beans?
Most of the time, flat beans are cooked and eaten as whole pods. You can prepare them in many ways, just like other green beans. They can be steamed, boiled, stir-fried, or roasted.
They taste great in salads, casseroles, or as a simple side dish. Many people enjoy their slightly sweet and earthy flavor.
Fresh vs. Dried Beans
While flat beans are usually eaten fresh, you can also take the seeds out of the pods. This is called "shelling" the beans. The whitish seeds can then be dried and stored for later.
However, most people grow flat beans to eat the fresh pods. Other types of beans are usually grown if you want to dry the seeds. This is because those other beans produce more seeds.
Stringy or Stringless?
Older types of flat beans sometimes had tough strings along their edges. These strings had to be removed before cooking. If you let beans ripen too much on the plant, they can also become stringy.
Luckily, most modern flat bean varieties are "stringless." This means you don't have to worry about removing any strings. You can just wash them and start cooking!
