The kidney beans are the variety of the common beans Phaseolus vulgaris. It is a herbaceous annual plant grown worldwide for its edible dry seeds or unripe fruit. It has become popular all over the world due to its health benefits as well as savory textures. Kidney beans are also known as the ‘king of nutrition’. The name ‘kidney beans’ is given to them as per their shape similar to the kidney. Common beans, haricot beans, navy beans, snap beans, shelled beans; all are the categories of kidney beans. Its botanical classification along with other Phaseolus species is as a member of the legume family Fabaceae.
Kidney beans are a type of ‘common bean’ that share an ancestor with black beans, pinots, and navy beans. Kidney beans are the legume native to Central America and Mexico. European explorers also discovered this ancestral bean in Peru and helped spread beans around the world. Today, kidney beans remain an important part of the cuisine in South and Central America and the Caribbean. It is mainly cultivable in tropical and temperate areas receiving 60 to 150 cm of rainfall. A temperature of 15 to 20 degrees Celsius is best for it. Brazil is the top producer of kidney beans in the world. In the context of Nepal, it is mainly cultivated in the hilly and Terai region. It is an important cash-generating legume in Jumla and adjoining hilly districts, and Mustang where mixtures of landraces with different sizes and seed patterns are harvested and sold in the market. In Chitwan, Nawalparashi, Makwanpur, and Rupandehi district, varieties PDR 14 and Hetaude are popular under rice or maize-based cropping systems with partial irrigation. The area under kidney beans is in increasing trends due to ease in marketing and good returns.
Soil requirements for kidney beans farming
Kidney beans that thrive on a wide variety of soils are the best for their cultivation. This crop is very sensitive to salinity and soil pH should be 5.5 to 6.0 to obtain better yields. Soil with high organic matter promotes more vegetative growth and moisture favors the germination of seeds. A deep plowing followed by 3 to 4 harrowing will get to the fine tilts of the soil.
Spacing in kidney beans farming :
Row-to-Row spacing is about 30 cm and Plant-to-Plant spacing is about 10cm to 15cm. Seeds should be sown at depths of 6cm to 7cm to absorb moisture.
Manures and fertilizers in kidney beans farming:
This crop lacks biological Nitrogen fixation due to poor nodulation. Therefore, it needs a good amount of nitrogen, about 100 to 125kg/ ha. This crop also requires 60 to 70 kg of P205/ha and adding potassium hardly affects the yield.
Irrigation in kidney beans:
This crop requires pre-sowing irrigation for better germination of seed and the critical stage for irrigation is about 3 to 4 weeks after sowing. Four irritations at 25,50,75,100 days after sowing seeds are required for optimal yield. This crop doesn’t require frequent irrigation but logging must be prevented.
Benefits:
Kidney beans are rich in nutrition and are recommended as a healthy diet. It also can be counted both as a protein source or a vegetable. Eating at least half-cup of beans per day can improve overall health as they consist of 105 calories, 7 gram protein, 1 gram fat, 19 grams of carbohydrates, 7 grams Of fiber, and 2 grams of sugars. Having beans as daily food is found to consume less fat and saturated fat while taking in more fiber, protein, folate, iron, and other important minerals.
As the Record of Kidney Beans, we know about the potential of kidneys within these given Factors.
Calories: 215
Protein: 13.4 grams
Fiber: 13.6 grams
Folate (vitamin B9): 23% of the RDI
Manganese: 22% of the RDI
Thiamine (vitamin B1): 20% of the RDI
Copper: 17% of the RDI
Iron: 17% of the RDI
Some other benefits of kidney beans are discussed below:
- Beans may have a positive impact on health when eaten as a replacement for meat or other protein sources that are high in cholesterol. Reducing cholesterol is one way to lower your risk of heart disease and improve your heart health. They are one of the healthiest beans to use as a protein source, with slightly less fat and saturated fat than other varieties of beans but with comparable amounts of fiber and protein.
- Research shows that colon cancer is unlikely to develop in people who regularly eat kidney beans
- Beans as the non-digestible fiber in common beans regulate cell growth in the colon.
- Beans don’t cause spikes in blood sugar as they are low-glycemic index food. Even they help in moderating the effects of spikes causing foods. It has low carbohydrate content so it is also preferred by people on diet.
- In spite of many benefits, these beans have some disadvantages too. A natural protein occuring in beans can cause gastrointestinal distress, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Kidney beans have the largest amount of toxin, called phytohaemagglutinin(PHA). This protein causes blood cells to clump together.
- Kidney beans are easily cultivable and in high demand. So kidney bean farming can be very fruitful. In Nepal, it’s highly imported from India. It can be an economical benefit to the country’s economy and farmers too if kidney beans cultivation is practiced in a wide range within the country.
Harvesting Of Kidneys Beans
Within 100-140 days, depending upon the variety and your region, the harvesting of kidney beans should be near. As the pods start to dry out and yellow, quit watering the plant. If it is not too humid and you have left plenty of space between plants, the beans may well dry on the plant. They will be hard as rocks and desiccated. Otherwise, when the pods are the color of straw and it’s time to harvest, remove the entire plant from the soil and hang it upside down inside in a dry place to allow the beans to continue to dry out. Once the beans have completely cured, you can keep them in a tightly sealed container for about a year.
