Image for Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean)

Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean)

Phaseolus vulgaris, commonly known as the common bean, is a widely cultivated legume valued for its nutrient-rich seeds. Native to the Americas, it includes popular varieties like kidney, black, and pinto beans. These beans are a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them an important part of balanced diets worldwide. They grow as climbing or bushy plants with green leaves and showy flowers, producing pods that contain the edible beans. Beans are versatile, used in numerous dishes, and play a key role in sustainable agriculture due to their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, improving soil fertility.