Beans
This vegetable is classified as a legume. It is a valued source of protein and is therefore used as a substitute for meat and dairy products in vegetarian diets. Beans also contain many micronutrients and beneficial unsaturated fats.
The versatile culinary uses of beans mean that they are readily used to make a wide range of dishes from soups, pastes, salads, chops, one-pot meals or cold cuts. It can be used to prepare flours, pasta or ready-made canned dishes. Beans are also interesting shapes and colours.
The diversity of beans is very high, as evidenced by the more than one hundred species of this vegetable. Grain beans appear fresh in late summer. You can use this time to freeze the beans. This way you avoid having to soak the beans before cooking. Beans are commercially available all year round. This is why we recommend taking advantage of its health-promoting effects on a daily basis.
White beans
The size of the grains varies according to the variety. From very fine, through medium, to really large grains, not inferior in size to those of broad beans. Used for hot dishes, with tomato sauces or meat. Often available in tinned or jarred ready meals.
Red beans
With its attractive, intense colour, varieties of this bean are used in salads as well as Mexican dishes.
Black beans
It is a small, fine bean with a very intense black colour. It is mainly used in South American dishes with poultry, hot spices, corn and in the preparation of spicy pastes.
Nutritional values per 100g of cooked beans:
ENERGY VALUE
PROTEIN
FATS
CARBOHYDRATES
POTASSIUM
FIBRE
Beans are a very good source of dietary fibre, both soluble and insoluble in water. The presence of these compounds supports the development of beneficial intestinal flora and thus stimulates immunity, the synthesis of certain vitamins, and reduces the risk of pathogenic microorganisms.
The benefits of a protein with a high biological value will not only be felt by the vegetarians. Beans are a way to increase the proportion of vegetables in the diet for people who eat too much meat. The attractive form of serving and the option of appropriate seasoning of bean dishes will convince many carnivores to try the vegetable.
Beans are a source of zinc, an element involved in the formation of male reproductive cells. A diet that overuses animal products, including highly processed meat foods, has a negative impact on fertility. Beans are a good alternative to such products, in particular due to their beneficial unsaturated fatty acids.
Beans in Poland are grown, inter alia, in the southern Lublin region, in the vicinity of Przemyśl, Jarosław and Tarnów and in Łódź. These regions are considered to be the so-called "Bean basin".
