Description of varieties of white beans, useful and harmful properties, cultivation

White beans belong to the legume family. It is one of the most sought-after vegetable crops, prized for its dietary and medicinal properties. It is a versatile herbal product used in a wide variety of dishes. Also, beans are used in the treatment of the digestive tract, heart and even skin diseases.

Specificity of white beans

White beans are one of the most common legumes. For the first time, the culture began to grow in South America. She is unpretentious to care and has a huge amount of useful trace elements. Stems of culture are straight and curly, up to 1 m high. Fruits ripen by autumn, have a cylindrical, slightly flattened shape. It is noteworthy that in ancient Rome the culture was used not only for food, whitewash and powder were also made from it.

White bean varieties

The beans are striking in their variety of choice, as well as interesting external characteristics. White beans can be large, medium or small. Each variety has its own characteristics and preferences for use. To make your choice, consider all varieties of white beans.

Chali

This culture is characterized by large fruits and delicate taste. Chali is widely used in Turkey and the Balkans. It is used to make soups, side dishes, salads and flavorful stews.

Chali beans have an unusual trapezoidal shape. Fruits are slightly flattened, larger than other varieties. Boiled chali tastes like potatoes, so it is often used as a side dish. It does not require long cooking, the cooking time takes no more than 45 minutes.

Black eye

It is considered the most delicate of all varieties of culture. Thanks to the thin shell, it cooks very quickly. The Black Eye variety is superior to other species in terms of energy value. It contains a lot of protein, starch, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamins, with a minimum amount of fat.Black eye is more often than other varieties of beans used to treat many diseases and even prevent breast cancer.

Navy

This culture has been around for more than 7 thousand years. She was bred in South America. Small pea fruits are leading in terms of fiber content, which makes them worthy competitors to other varieties, despite their small size. In medicine, Navi is used to achieve a diuretic and antimicrobial effect, as well as to reduce the concentration of sugar in the blood. Soak it in water for at least 5 hours before cooking. Cooking time in this case will take no more than 1 hour.

Moscow white

This variety of green-stringed white beans was bred specifically for the short summer days of central Russia. It is characterized by resistance to disease and sudden changes in temperature. The maximum length of bushy plants is 40 mm. Moscow white beans are characterized by a rich harvest. An average of 1.2 kg can be collected per square meter.

White flat

Unlike previous varieties, white flat beans have not gained wide popularity in our country. However, it has a high content of useful trace elements, which is why it is actively used in traditional medicine. Unpretentiousness to soil and weather conditions allows it to be grown in almost all regions of Russia.

Lotus

A mid-early variety characterized by delicious, fleshy fruits. Gardeners prefer this variety for its good yield and ease of maintenance. Also, Lotus beans are suitable for mechanized harvesting. It is used in cooking, cosmetology and traditional medicine. An excellent option for conservation.

Belozerka

Medium-sized mid-season beans with high sugar content. You can harvest up to 50 pods from one bush. Fruits are medium in size, round in shape.

White mares

Ornamental weaving culture with large pods. It has lush, bright green leaves. There are usually 3 fruits in one pod. This decorative culture is suitable not only for food cultivation, but also for landscaping various structures: gazebos, arches, houses. Does not lose color and shape until mid-September.

Landing dates

In open ground, the culture is planted in May, focusing on the timing of the result and weather conditions. The soil should warm up to 10-12 degrees. You should also focus on the variety. Shrub forms are planted earlier, and climbing varieties after 1-2 weeks.

With proper care, seedlings will appear 15-20 days after planting. Some gardeners, before planting in open ground, prefer to pre- sprout beans... In this case, sowing is initially carried out in special containers, 2-3 weeks before planting in open ground.

In order for the culture to grow faster and give a rich harvest, it must be planted in a well-lit place. At the same time, regular watering and feeding should be done.

Seed preparation

It is important to prepare seed material before planting. Although the crop is planted in May, this does not exclude a drop in temperature, which can negatively affect young shoots. To avoid such an unpleasant incident, the seeds are pre-hardened.

Note! Before planting, the seeds undergo a thorough visual inspection. Shriveled, empty and spoiled fruits are selected.

You can also use the soaking method. For this, beans are determined in clean water at night. Seed material that has not undergone industrial processing is soaked for 20 minutes in a weak solution of potassium permanganate.

However, it should be noted that seeds that have not been soaked before planting are more resistant to cold snaps, since they do not hatch immediately.

Soil preparation for beans

Light, fertile, well-drained soils are most suitable for legumes.If there is groundwater next to the garden plot, and the soil itself is clay, then there is a great risk that the culture will not grow.

To get a bountiful harvest, the soil is fertilized with compost or humus before planting seeds. You can also use superphosphate, ammonium nitrate, or potassium chloride. The abundance of nitrogen in the soil will not have the best effect on the crop. The green mass will develop profusely, but the pods will suffer.

Sowing beans

If you plan to grow several varieties of beans at once, then it is recommended to plant them separately from each other. Since the beans are self-pollinating, beds with different varieties can be located next to each other. But do not forget that the culture has a tendency to become highly pollinated. For example, if a white bean grows near a red bean, red dots may appear on its fruit.

For culture, a checkerboard planting order is used. The distance between the holes is 20-30 cm. 3-4 seeds are sown in each of them. Many gardeners practice a wide planting when they make a 50 cm indent between the holes.

If we are talking about tall climbing beans, first of all, the supports are prepared, and holes are made next to them and the seeds are sown. The distance between the rows is left 100 cm, between the holes - 60 cm. Curly beans can also be grown in nests of 5 pieces. Growing bushes will cling to a peg located near each hole.

It must be made of wood; the beans simply cannot catch on to a plastic or metal support.

The planting depth of the beans depends on the quality of the soil. The better it is, the deeper the seeds can be planted. If the soil is light, the beans are planted to a depth of 6-7 cm.On dense clay soils, the planting depth should not exceed 4 cm.

Take a look also

Types and description of beans varieties, cultivation features

Bean care

After planting, the beans are immediately watered and the soil is compacted with a rake. If there is a threat of frost, the planted area is covered with a special film. When the seeds sprout, they are immediately spud. In this way they gain stability. Further care of the beans is as follows:

• weekly watering;
• timely removal of weeds;
• regular loosening of row spacings;
• superphosphate feeding after the formation of the first true leaf;
• when the bushes reach two meters, they are pinched off from above to stimulate the formation of ovaries.

Watering time

Watering the beans is carried out until the 5th leaf appears on the plants. Irrigation is then resumed before flowering, because at low humidity the plants will shed flowers. In dry weather, watering is carried out once a week before flowering. After the flowers appear, the procedure is increased up to 2-3 times a week.

Plant feeding

Beans are a demanding crop in terms of nutrition. A high yield can be obtained only in fertile soil, which contains the necessary elements for growth and development. It responds well to mineral and organic fertilizers.

Nitrogen compounds are introduced at the initial stages of growth. It's important to remember that they can inhibit maturation, so don't go overboard with their dosages.

Good results are obtained by the introduction of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, especially molybdenized superphosphate. It is also recommended to use wood ash on household plots.

The following microelements have a positive effect on the growth of beans:

• zinc;
• boron;
• manganese;
• copper;
• molybdenum.

Molybdenum is of particular importance. It is better to use it for pre-sowing seed treatment.

Garter

Garter beans will not only prevent the spread of bushes in the garden, but also reduce the likelihood of damage to the crop by pests and diseases. Supports should be made of wood.

The garter is made after the plants have reached a height of 15 cm. They are wrapped around the support, starting with the first lower leaf. Fastening is done counterclockwise.This method will allow you to reliably hook the plants to the support.

Disease protection

To prevent fungal diseases, the preparation of the site for beans begins in the fall. First of all, it is cleared of weeds, since it is in them that pathogenic microorganisms winter. Then potash and phosphorus fertilizers are added to the soil, after which they are dug up with a shovel. During the growing season of plants, 1, or preferably 2 fertilizing is carried out, using mineral fertilizers without nitrogen.

If the defeat of fungal diseases has already occurred, then active control measures are taken. For this, plants are sprayed with copper-containing preparations, for example, a solution of Bordeaux liquid (1%).

To prevent root rot and powdery mildew, the seeds are soaked in Trichodermin or Baktofit before planting. Also, these preparations are sprayed on crops before flowering.

For prevention bean diseases it is important to follow the crop rotation every 4-5 years. That is, after such a time interval, plant the culture in its original place.

Pest control

As with diseases, preventive and proactive measures are used to control pests. In addition to the preventive measures described above, also include the collection of beans before the beans crack. To destroy pests, use the method of freezing fruits for 2-3 days. At a temperature of -10 degrees, adults, larvae and eggs die.

With regard to chemical measures to prevent pests, before flowering plants can be treated with "Decis" or "Aktara".

The following biological products are used against sucking and gnawing pests:

1. "Guapsin".
2. Planriz.
3. "Trichodermin".

They can only be used before flowering.

Collection and storage

Harvesting begins in July and continues until autumn. The beans are ready when the fruits reach 4-10 cm, it all depends on the variety. It is optimal to harvest early in the morning. The beans are removed for grain after the onset of full maturity, when the fruits become dense and the leaves dry out. When harvesting, the plant is pulled out, tied in a sheaf and placed for ripening. In sunny weather, the culture is left to ripen right in the garden.

To prevent the seeds from being lost, a film is placed under the beans. After ripening, the plants are cleaned and sent for storage. Green bush bean varieties are picked immediately after they are ripe. In climbing species, fruits are harvested several times per season.

White kidney beans have a long shelf life. Initially, they are removed from the pod and dried. In order for the seeds to dry well, they are laid out in a thin layer on cloth or paper. Beans stored should be in a warm and dry place. When the fruits are completely dry, they are laid for storage.

The beans are not very demanding on conditions, the only thing that is important is to place them in the correct container, where condensation accumulates. Fruit should not be near heat sources. It is also worth focusing on the fact that freezing of beans will negatively affect its subsequent germination.

To protect the fruits from various insects, they are put in glass jars and tightly closed with a lid.

Composition and calorie content of white beans

White beans are impressive in their composition. In terms of copper and zinc content, it surpasses all garden crops. It also includes the following trace elements:

• vegetable protein;
• vitamin E;
• calcium;
• magnesium;
• B vitamins.

The taste of white beans is appreciated all over the world. It is used to prepare nutritious and healthy dishes that make up a worthy alternative to meat.

100 grams of white beans contains:

• 102 kcal;
• 47 g carbohydrates;
• 21 g protein;
• 2 g fat.

Beneficial features

Beans are rich in beneficial trace elements. They are used not only in cooking, but also for the preparation of medicines.

Eating white beans regularly is very beneficial for your health. It has such positive effects:

• stimulation of the production of gastric juice;
• prevention of diseases of the nervous and cardiovascular systems;
• improvement of vision;
• decreased blood sugar concentration;
• strengthening immunity;
• reduction and prevention of puffiness;
• improving the condition of hair and nails;
• improving the recovery of the skin after cuts and injuries;
• cleansing the body of toxic substances;
• improving metabolism.

The calcium content in large quantities makes beans an essential food for bones and teeth.

Inflorescences of white beans are used much less often than fruits. Nevertheless, they have no less useful properties. Bean inflorescences and pods are useful in the following conditions:

• heart failure;
• renal pathology.

Decoctions of dried beans are used for rheumatism, gout and pancreatitis.

For men

Beans are a very healthy product for men. It saturates the body with vitamins, improves the general condition. In addition, beans have a positive effect on sexual function and normalize the genitourinary system.

For women

Since beans contain a large amount of iron and calcium, this product will help women improve the condition of their hair, skin, teeth. It is often used for cosmetic purposes to prepare masks that have a rejuvenating effect. Breastfeeding women can use the talker. To prepare it, you will need to grind the seeds of the beans and mix them in equal quantities with wheat flour. Pour the mixture with the same amount of water, mix well, insist and take 2 tablespoons three times a day.

As for the whole fruits of legumes, it is better to refuse to use them while breastfeeding. This is because most babies have difficulty getting gas, and whole beans can only worsen symptoms.

Use for the treatment and prevention of diseases

As a medicine, white beans have been used for more than one hundred years. Medicinal properties are possessed not only by the fruits of the culture, but also by the valves (pods). Consider the diseases for which white beans help.

Take a look also

How to store beans correctly at home so that bugs don't start

With diseases of the heart and blood vessels

Iron and magnesium, which are contained in the culture, help to improve the blood composition, strengthen the heart muscle, and reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. White beans are recommended for the following diseases:

• atherosclerosis;
• arrhythmia;
• hypertension.

An effective heart decoction is prepared from the valves of the culture. For cooking, you only need to pour 4 tablespoons of the shutters with two glasses of boiling water. The remedy is infused for at least two hours. Take the product before each meal, 0.5 cups.

With atherosclerosis, a different recipe for preparing a decoction of beans is used. Bean shells (3 tablespoons) are poured with water (750 ml), brought to a boil and boiled over medium heat for 15 minutes. The broth is filtered through cheesecloth and diluted to the original volume with purified water. The agent is taken on an empty stomach, 150 ml three times a day.

Diseases of the stomach, kidneys, bladder

White beans contribute to the normalization of gastric acid production, so they are recommended to use for gastritis. This disease requires dietary adjustments, many foods are excluded from the diet. Beans for gastritis can replace meat. It is used to prepare nutritious meals that keep you feeling full for a long time.

White beans have a mild diuretic effect, therefore they are used for kidney and bladder diseases. It dissolves stones and removes puffiness. With inflammation of the bladder, 3 tablespoons of the plant are poured with 0.5 liters of boiling water and boiled over medium heat for 15 minutes. The broth is infused for at least three hours, after which it is filtered and taken in 0.5 cups before meals.

The following recipe is used for kidney stones. Bean leaves are filled with water in proportions of 1:10 and boiled for 1.5 hours. Then the tool is filtered and received in the same way as described above.

Joint damage and nervous system disorders

The spectrum of positive effects of white beans is not limited to the diseases described above. The product is successfully used for chronic rheumatism, gout and other diseases associated with blood vessels.

White beans are also used to help the body recover from stress. They are included in the diet after severe operations and serious injuries.

Insulin dependence

In diabetes, beans are one of the main ingredients in the diet. Due to its unique composition, it is used as an insulin substitute. Regular consumption of beans has the following positive effects:

• normalizes heart function;
• improves the condition of the walls of blood vessels;
• quickly heals injuries, cracks;
• reduces the concentration of sugar in the blood;
• accelerates regenerative processes.

Long-term use of the product stabilizes the functioning of the pancreas. Arginine, which is found in white beans, stimulates the production of urea, and, accordingly, reduces the concentration of glucose in the blood.

Thanks to white beans, the work of the heart improves, and this is a very important factor for patients with diabetes mellitus. The benefits of the product are equivalent for both types 1 and 2 of the disease.

In addition to the use of fruits, with diabetes, a decoction is also prepared from the valves of the beans. About 20 grams of the product is poured with a liter of boiling water and boiled over low heat for 30 minutes. The filtered and cooled broth is drunk in small portions. The given dosage is calculated for 2 days. Drink the broth for 20 days. For a more effective recipe, you can add 20 g of blueberry leaves.

Skin diseases, wounds, cracks, ulcers

White beans contain a lot of sulfur, which is why they are used to treat skin conditions. The seeds of the culture are ground in a coffee grinder and then applied to the affected areas. Such a remedy has a pronounced wound-healing effect and surpasses many pharmaceuticals in terms of effectiveness.

The benefits of beans for weight loss

The low calorie content of beans makes them one of the main foods recommended for weight loss. White beans are high in protein and fiber. At the same time, they are low in carbohydrates, which makes them ideal for dieting. The main feature of beans is that they satisfy hunger for a long time.

Thus, a person does not feel a constant need for food, as a result of which the diet is easily tolerated.

Beans have found widespread use in a protein diet. Scientists have long proven that its use increases the synthesis of cholecystokinin - a hormone that speeds up metabolism and eliminates hunger.

Note! White beans have a low glycemic index, which gives a person the necessary boost of energy for a long time.

Especially white beans are recommended for those who combine diet with vigorous exercise. They can be eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner. At the same time, the frequent use of beans does not have any negative consequences for the body.

Application in cosmetology

White beans are widely used in cosmetology. Face masks based on it are suitable for absolutely all women. The action of such cosmetics is aimed at whitening the skin, saturating it with useful microelements. Bean masks have a lifting effect, eliminate blackheads, remove bags under the eyes and various rashes.

For masks, boiled and cooled grains are used. They are sifted through a sieve so that no skin or lumps remain in the composition for the cosmetic product. Then knead the beans with a fork, add lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Apply the product to pre-moisturized skin.Wash off after 15-20 minutes with warm water.

Contraindications and possible side effects

It is important to remember that beans can only be eaten after being cooked. Raw seeds contain toxins that can cause severe poisoning. As for side effects, it is not uncommon for the product to cause flatulence. To prevent this from happening, before cooking, the beans are soaked for a long time in water (preferably overnight). You can add a little soda to the water.

After soaking, the cooking time of the legumes will be significantly reduced. There are varieties that take no more than 45 minutes to cook. However, most of them take more than an hour to cook. It is important to remember that it is better to overcook the beans than not to cook them, so you should not rush to remove them from the heat.

In case of colitis, stomach ulcers, gout, cholecystitis, it is imperative to consult a doctor before using legumes. Otherwise, the symptoms of the disease can only get worse. An absolute contraindication of the product is increased gastric secretion. People in the elderly should also be wary of eating beans.

An impeccably balanced composition of legumes will saturate the body with all the necessary trace elements, even if you eat only different varieties of this crop. However, don't get too carried away with mono diets. It's enough just to include white beans in your diet, diluting them with other healthy foods.

If you are allergic to beans, you must immediately stop using it.

How to choose the right beans

When choosing a product for consumption, it is important to pay attention to its appearance. The beans should not be spoiled, and even more so with rot. Choose only whole grains that are the same size. Their surface should be glossy and shiny.

Store beans in an airtight container and only in a dry place. Otherwise, the fruits can become moldy, and their use is fraught with severe poisoning.

Remarkably, you can store not only raw beans, but also boiled beans. To do this, the cooked product is cooled, placed in a plastic bag and sent to the freezer.

If you need to prepare a large number of boiled beans, they should be divided into small pieces, each of which should be packed in a separate plastic bag, and placed in the freezer.