Asparagus beans: description of varieties, benefits and harms with photos

Spear beans are a common legume that is distinguished by its tender flesh and the absence of hard fibers on the pods. The shape of the pods is longer than other varieties, and the hard shells of the beans themselves protect the beans from pests and external damage. The annual plant has gained great popularity due to its characteristics and is actively grown in summer cottages and household plots.

Benefits and harms

Among the many varieties of beans, asparagus stands out for a number of valuable properties and nutritional value. All adherents of a he althy diet are known for certain about which asparagus beans have benefits and harms.The product contains carbohydrates, fiber and a vitamin complex, which has a beneficial effect on the body. In particular, regular consumption of beans:

helps actively fight intestinal infections;
fills cells with oxygen;
stabilizes hormones;
controls the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
reduces blood sugar.

Nutritionists advise including beans in the diet, as it allows you to diversify your usual diet and not gain excess weight.

When used in moderation, asparagus does not harm the body, as it has practically no contraindications. To get exceptionally useful properties from the product, you need not to abuse it, and in case of stomach diseases and gastritis, first consult with a specialist.A nutritionist will explain in detail how green beans are useful and how much it is permissible to consume depending on the state of he alth.

Features of cultivation

The timing of planting beans on the site directly depends on weather conditions. In the southern regions, you can start sowing in early May. In cooler areas, it is better to wait for the frost to completely end. For proper and active plant growth, it is important that the soil warms up well. Bushes develop at an average temperature of more than 15 degrees. In the event of unexpected frosts, you should use a covering material and use it to artificially create greenhouse conditions.

Before planting, you need to prepare a bed. First, the soil should be carefully dug up, cleaned of the remnants of previous crops and mineral or organic top dressing should be applied.Bean seeds are laid to a depth of about 5 cm, leaving a distance of 10-20 cm between bushes, and 30-50 cm between rows. Compliance with spatial isolation is necessary for active growth and fruiting.

If this rule is violated, the root systems of several bushes will intertwine with each other, which can lead to the death of plants and a quantitative reduction in yield. So that the bushes do not freeze in the event of a temperature difference, and the leaves and flowers do not fall off, you can cover the seedlings with a film material that helps retain moisture and heat.

The basic rules to follow when growing a crop include regular watering, loosening, visual inspection for weeds and pest control. In case of plant disease or damage by dangerous insects, it is worth treating the land with insecticidal fertilizers, and destroying the damaged parts of the bushes. To prevent the appearance of pests, it is worth making appropriate top dressing even at the stage of sowing seeds.

Harvesting

Collect the pods before they harden. Since the fruits of legumes ripen unevenly, you should visually inspect the bushes and periodically cut off the ripened fruits. Certain bean varieties can be harvested at an early stage of development, when the shells of the pods are still green.

It is recommended to pick fruits in the first half of the day, when the pods are moderately saturated with moisture and do not crumble when cut.

If you harvest later, the fruits will have time to dry well and some of the beans can easily fall into the garden. If you do not collect ripe pods in time, it is likely that they will begin to burst and the amount of the crop will be noticeably reduced. When the grains get into the ground, they quickly rot and lead to the emergence of dangerous pests, as a result of which the unripe part of the plants may be spoiled.

Classification of varieties

There are a large number of varieties of asparagus beans that differ in taste characteristics, appearance and cultivation specifics. According to the shape of the bush, the culture is divided into bush and climbing. Bush beans are low-growing plants up to 60 cm high, which bear fruit even at low temperatures and ripen at an early stage. Curly species look like weaving vines up to 5 m long.

The main difference between climbing varieties is a long growing season, so these bean varieties are not suitable for open ground in regions with a cool climate (for example, for the Moscow region).

For cultivation in summer cottages, early varieties of legumes without fibers and with soft pods are suitable. Among these varieties, Kenyan, purple and green beans are in demand. Kenyan beans have dark green pods with sweetish beans.The green and purple varieties have elongated pods and are suitable for freezing or canning.

Varieties of green beans

Breeders are constantly developing new types of beans, which allows you to choose the best option, taking into account atmospheric conditions, soil conditions and other growing criteria. After reviewing the characteristics of popular varieties, it will be possible to select the best and high-yielding varieties of asparagus beans for sowing. When choosing, it is important to pay attention to characteristics such as growing season, size, care requirements, long-term storage capacity and preparation methods.

Blau Hilde

Blau Hilde is famous for its high and stable yield. The height of the plant bushes reaches 5 m, the length of the pods is up to 25 cm. The variety of beans requires abundant watering and top dressing for active growth. The main features of the variety are a lilac-pinkish shade of grains, mushroom aroma, compatibility with other vegetable crops.Blau Hilde beans saturate the soil with nitrogen, prevent damage to the roots by wireworms and meadow moths. The variety is able to resist common diseases, which greatly simplifies the process of growing a crop.

Berlotto

Early ripe, easy care variety, spread from Italy. Berlotto beans are valued for their he alth benefits. It contains a high protein content, and it is suitable for dietary nutrition. Ripe beans are large and wide, with burgundy stains on the surface. At the initial stage of ripening, the shells of the pods have a rich green color without hard fibers and partitions. The taste of Berlotto beans is sweetish. The most fragrant and rich in taste, beans are considered to be at the stage of incomplete ripening.

Oil King

The type of asparagus bean Oil King belongs to early ripening, as it ripens within 50 days after planting. The yellow pods do not have fibers and are distinguished by a bright yellow color. Butter King beans have gained great popularity in the culinary field and are used in cooking both fresh and canned. The characteristic of the variety suggests high resistance to pests and diseases, the ability to grow actively without regular watering.

Saksa 615

A favorite variety of many gardeners, which allows you to harvest the first crop in 45-50 days after planting. Bushes in open ground grow up to 40 cm. Despite the compactness of the bushes, the variety shows a high yield. Green pods without fibers are dense in structure. The shape of the valves is curved. Saksa beans have a sugary flavor, which allows them to be used in the preparation of various dishes.Golden Sax contains a rich vitamin complex, which has a positive effect on the body.

Purple Queen

Shrub plant with an average ripening period. The main external difference is a dark purple hue, which becomes rich green as a result of heat treatment. The maximum height of the bushes reaches 60 cm. The variety is famous for its high yield, disease resistance and pleasant taste characteristics. The average bean pod length is 20 cm. The Purple Queen variety is ideal for canning.

Sweet Courage

The variety is compact and is grown in bushes up to 40 cm high. Sweet Courage belongs to the early ripening type. From the beginning of seed germination to the moment of harvesting the first fruits, it takes from 40 to 50 days.The pods have a slightly curved cylindrical shape. The color of beans is rich yellow. The fruits can grow up to 16 cm in length. The bulk of the pods ripen at once, which allows you to harvest most of the crop at one time.

Golden Nectar

Belongs to the climbing type, ripening within 70 days. Yellow pods contain narrow cylindrical beans that grow up to 25 cm long. Due to the heavy weight of the fruits, the plant needs a garter and support. The variety Golden Nectar is often used for preservation or fresh for cooking various dishes. Suitable for growing as an ornamental plant due to long curved pods.

Crane

Beans Crane - an early ripe vegetable variety. The first fruits ripen 50 days after the appearance of the first shoots.The bush plant has a small height of up to 50 cm. The maximum length of the pods is 13 cm, the width is up to 1 cm. The beans are curved, rich green in color, taste like asparagus shoots. The variety is suitable for long-term storage through preservation or freezing.

Panther

One of the most common garden varieties of green beans. The bushes of the plant are low - up to 40 cm tall. The term of full maturation is 65 days. Panther beans are planted at a distance of 12 cm between bushes and about 40 cm between rows. This type of legume requires warm soil for good growth. The pods ripen evenly, making harvesting easier. Yellow beans lack tough fibers and a parchment layer. The length of the elongated lines reaches 15 cm. The main advantages are high and stable yields, resistance to pests and diseases, including bacteriosis and anthracnose.

Bergold

Mid-early bushy variety, characterized by high yield and compactness of plants. The term of maturation from the first shoots to the collection of fruits is 60 days. The color of the pods is golden yellowish, the shape is curved, the length is up to 14 cm. The inner seeds are oval in shape, without a parchment layer. The main purpose of Bergold is freezing and sterile preservation for long-term storage. It is recommended to sow this variety of beans after the soil has warmed up to a temperature of more than 15 degrees to avoid the death of the seed.

Vigna Countess

Special variety of the legume family, belonging to the climbing category. The bushes grow up to several meters in length, the width of the pods reaches 1.5 cm, the length of the pods can reach up to 1 m. There are a number of features of growing Vigna Countess.Due to the thermophilicity, it is better to sow in greenhouse conditions, and not in open ground. When planting in seedlings, it is possible to transfer seedlings to the ground only after the earth has warmed up above 20 degrees. Plants require support, as heavy fruits can tilt the stems. For the cultivation of the Vigna Countess species, it is recommended to select areas well-lit by the sun.

Blue Lake

Early ripe asparagus beans with climbing plants. The average height of the bushes is 1.5 m. The fruits ripen after 50 days from the date of planting in open ground. Pods grow up to 16 cm long, have a deep green color, even and smooth surface.

The plant is resistant to common diseases, temperature extremes and adverse climatic conditions. The variety shows high yields when planted in a sunny position, protected from drafts, and light, well-drained soil.Blue Lake beans are suitable for freezing storage and culinary use in soups and meat dishes.

Neringa

An early variety in demand among gardeners, bearing fruit 55 days after sowing in the ground. Long round pods have a small diameter and grow up to 16 cm in size. The valves have a fleshy structure, do not have a parchment layer, partitions and hard fibers. The fruiting of Neringa occurs at the same time, so a bountiful harvest can be harvested at a time. The variety is suitable for growing in any region due to its good tolerance to temperature changes and disease resistance.

Pencil Pod Back Wax

Asparagus variety bred by Italian breeders, ripening 60-65 days after sowing. Compact bushes up to 40 cm high are valued by gardeners for high yields and resistance to dangerous pests.Ripe pods have a light yellow color and are characterized by unusual taste, suitability for long-term storage and transportation due to dense walls. The fruits remain juicy and do not lose their presentation for a long time even after freezing and heat treatment. The bean has a glossy surface and a rich black hue.

Mascotte

Branded from France, the Mascotte variety is grown in compact bushes. The first fruits ripen 50 days after sowing in the ground. The variety is especially valued for the richness and crunchiness of the pods, the absence of hard fibers and parchment aftertaste. You can plant small bushes not only in open soil, but also in a separate container for growing at home. By growing beans at home, you can have fresh fruits on hand throughout the year. The advantages of Mascotte legumes include high yield, long pods and unpretentious care.

Kentucky Blue Pole

American variety of asparagus bean with juicy and sweet taste. The fruits ripen in 60-65 days and grow in large numbers, subject to the basic methods of agricultural technology. The bushes of the plant are tall, because the weaving vines grow up to 2.5 m. Due to the high height, it is recommended to tie up the seedlings to prevent them from breaking. The length of the green pods is 20 cm. The main features include - resistance to adverse climatic conditions, ease of cultivation, abundant yield.

Gold Mine

Spruce asparagus beans with sweet fruits. The plant is considered early ripe, since the growing season lasts no more than 55 days. The upright bushes are characterized by abundant foliage, the pods are tied in clusters, which significantly increases the yield.From one bush of the plant it is possible to obtain about 800 g of beans. The sweetish flavor has made Gold Mine popular in the culinary field. The use of beans adds variety to many dishes.

Fakir

Mid-ripening asparagus beans with pods over 50 cm long and about 1 cm in diameter. The pulp of the beans is juicy and tender. Variety Fakir belongs to the climbing category. The length of the vines reaches 3 m. For growing a plant, the use of supports is required, since heavy fruits can break the stems. A variety of legumes Fakir was bred by Russian breeders and endowed with all the necessary characteristics for growing in the northern regions. Beans are valued for their high disease resistance and consistent yields.

Spaghetti

The variety with the extraordinary name Spaghetti is a subspecies of the Vigna group and belongs to the early ripening varieties.The fruits ripen 2 months after planting the seed. From each bush of curly beans, it is possible to harvest about 5 kg of the crop, subject to the basic rules of care. The length of the pods reaches 55 cm, the diameter is up to 1 cm. The main distinguishing characteristic is the juicy pods without peel and hard internal partitions between the beans. The fruits do not have a characteristic bean flavor, which allows them to be used in the preparation of various dishes.

Fortex

Developed by French breeders, the Fortex variety has a pronounced aroma, pleasant taste, tender flesh and elongated pods. There are no partitions in the fruits, and the valves are very soft and do not squeeze the beans. The main positive characteristics are fast cooking and a rich composition of nutrients. The length of the pods is 20-30 cm, the growing season with proper care lasts about 80 days, so Fortex belongs to the late-ripening category.Experienced gardeners advise growing this variety in greenhouse conditions or in open ground in the southern territories.

Red Podded Asparagus

Red Podded Asparagus is a vigorous climbing bush with profuse foliage that produces many long purple pods. Due to the unusual shade, beans are often used by gardeners for decorative purposes. The length of the fruit reaches 80 cm. The beans have high taste characteristics and are actively used in the culinary field to diversify many dishes.

Asparagus Yardlong

A classic variety grown by many gardeners in their summer cottages. Climbing bushes grow to a height of 4 m, so they need a garter on reliable supports. The maximum length of the pods of asparagus beans reaches 80 cm. The culture is valued for its unpretentious care, consistently high yield, and protection from pests and diseases.The term of active ripening is about 80 days, which makes it possible to classify the variety as late-ripening. It is better to plant Asparagus Yardlong in greenhouses, because in the conditions of a short and cool summer, the fruits will not have time to fully ripen.

Bona

Heat-loving mid-season variety with a growing season of 75-80 days. Plant bushes are distinguished by strong stems and compactness (height up to 40 cm). The light green pods are straight and fleshy, do not contain hard fibers, and are located in the upper part of the culture. The variety is suitable for long-term storage through conservation.

It is not recommended to freeze Bona beans, as there is a risk of loss of flavor characteristics. It is better to grow this variety in well-lit and heated areas. The optimal temperature conditions for fast and proper growth are +20… +25 degrees.

Beans Melody

Climbing crop Melody brings a large harvest in the early stages of ripening. The period from the appearance of the first shoots to the collection of the first fruits is 45-50 days. The length of the beans is 24-25 cm, the shape is xiphoid, the color is dark green, the structure is without a parchment layer and internal fibers. For the growth of bushes, it is necessary to provide a solid support.

The main advantages include easy tolerance of drought and low temperatures, which makes it possible to grow green beans in regions with a predominance of a cool climate. High taste characteristics make it possible to use in cooking and add variety to the taste of familiar dishes.

Caramel

The owner of a rich and sweet taste, the Caramel variety has received great demand from modern gardeners. In addition to unusual taste properties, the advantages include early ripening (55 days from germination of the first shoots to harvest), large bush sizes (45-60 cm), resistance to diseases.You can grow this variety from May to July, so that the fruits have time to fully ripen. For planting, beds located in a constantly lit area, protected from drafts and strong winds, with light fertile soil are suitable.

Hell Rem

High-yielding curly asparagus beans, distinguished among a wide variety of product types by an unusual mushroom aroma. The grains are pinkish in color. The fruits grow juicy and tender. Dishes with the addition of the Ad Rem variety give the impression of using real mushrooms.

This variety is loved by many summer residents not only for its taste characteristics, but also for its unpretentiousness in care and resistance to various temperatures. By regularly watering the bushes and providing good lighting, you will be able to get a big harvest 50-60 days after planting.

Flamingo

Early ripe bush variety that gives the first fruits after 55-60 days from the moment the first sprouts appear. Each plant contains about 10 pods 15 cm long, bright red in color, without internal fibers and parchment layer. Seeds are light with pink stains. The variety has a good yield when grown in any climatic conditions. Ripe fruits are suitable for freezing, preservation and fresh consumption. A seedling method of growing a crop is allowed (sowing in separate containers is carried out in early May, and transplanting into open ground after a month).

Laura

Early variety of asparagus beans with high yields and rich taste characteristics. By growing this variety of the legume family, it is possible to obtain tender and sugar beans that are subject to long-term storage without losing their original properties.Laura fruits ripen on a large scale, which makes harvesting convenient.

In practice, the duration of the collection lasts no more than two weeks. The pods grow up to 12 cm long, have a cylindrical shape and a yellowish tint. Inside the fruit there are no partitions and obvious fibers.

Enchantress

The ripening time of beans Charodeyka is 45-50 days. You can grow a crop at the beginning of the season to free the beds for the next plantings. The yield indicator reaches 3.2 kg per square of land. The value of the variety lies in its good tolerance to drought and low temperatures, resistance to dangerous pests, preservation of taste characteristics after heat treatment or freezing. The enchantress is used in the preparation of various dishes, as it gives them an unusual flavor and saturates them with a vitamin complex.

Winner

Classic fiberless variety with green flat beans. The culture ripens for a long time, and the first fruits can be harvested only 3 months after planting. It is better to grow Winner beans in greenhouse conditions so that the plants do not die due to the low temperature. If you want to plant bushes in open ground, you should resort to the seedling technique.

For active and proper growth, a temperature of about 23 degrees is required, constant lighting of the territory, cleaning the beds from weeds and regular watering. The peculiarity of legumes Winner is that the culture has not only food, but also a decorative purpose.

Purple Lady

Effective appearance is the main characteristic of the Purple Lady variety. The plant is decorated with large rich purple inflorescences.Curly bushes have a height of up to 1.5 m and are often used as decorations. Pods 15 cm long are shaped like elongated tubes. The variety is considered early ripe, as it ripens 55-60 days after the germination of the first shoots. White beans are highly palatable and are used as an ingredient in many dishes.

Harmony

Mid-season variety Harmony ripens 65-85 days after planting. The first shoots can be seen in a week. The average height of the plant is 3-3.5 m, so for the safety of the stems, reliable support and tying are necessary. The beans have a rounded, slightly curved shape and a yellow tint. There are no partitions or parchment inside the pods.

Seeds begin to actively germinate and give the first shoots, provided the ambient temperature is within 10-12 degrees. Harmony beans are demanding on moderate soil moisture, but it is difficult to tolerate excess water.

Spanish White

The giant white-fruited variety of the legume family is called the Spanish white bean. Despite the name, the variety has gained great popularity in France and Italy. Among the many advantages, it is worth noting not only the large size, but also the unpretentiousness of the culture to environmental conditions, the ability to endure a short drought, and resistance to pests often found in the soil. Spanish white asparagus beans are loaded with fiber, so eating them often has a beneficial effect on the human body.

Scapula

Shovel bean produces juicy fruits with a pronounced taste. This species contains a high content of proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, minerals and vitamins. All components have a positive effect on he alth with frequent use of the product.The culture does not lose its useful characteristics and taste after heat treatment, freezing and canning. The properties of the product allow it to be stored for a long time.

Gold Necklace

An easy-care climbing variety with a high yield. The period from planting seeds to harvesting is 65-70 days. The height of the bushes reaches 1.5-2 m, so when growing, support is necessary. Golden Necklace seeds are valued for their nutritional characteristics and vitamin content. Even unripe beans can be eaten as garnishes for dishes. Also, the culture is suitable for freezing and pickling.

Yellow Neck

Widespread in many regions, the Yellow Neck variety is a compact bush 30-40 cm high.The vegetation period from the moment of sowing is no more than 65 days, subject to proper care. The fruits are located at the top of the bushes. Light yellow beans grow up to 12 cm long and are located in pods without internal partitions. The culture is famous for its nutritional qualities and excellent taste.

Features of cooking asparagus beans

To get the most out of eating beans, it is important to follow a few rules when using them in cooking. Green string beans must be cleaned of side fibers, as they can give an unpleasant aftertaste. Fruit peeling starts from the central part, protective fibers are removed along the entire length of the pod.

Before direct cooking, the product should be treated with boiled water to destroy dirt, toxic substances and all bacteria that accumulate on the surface.If you fry the fruits in a pan or keep them in hot water for a long time, you will be able to completely get rid of the harmful component - phenazine. Asparagus beans can be boiled, pickled, baked or eaten fresh after heat treatment. Some varieties of the crop are not recommended for pickling and canning due to the risk of loss of nutritional value and beneficial properties.

Beans can be used as an ingredient in soups, main courses or vegetable salads. Varieties with a sweetish aftertaste are often used as a filling in the preparation of pies. Boiled pods of culture can be seasoned with sour cream or spicy garlic sauce and served as an independent dish. The maximum benefit from the legume family will be when the fruits are evaporated on the grate under the influence of a water bath.

To always be able to cook asparagus beans, after harvesting, it should be frozen. Under the influence of cold, the product does not lose its natural properties and vitamin and mineral composition.

In addition, no defrosting required for culinary use. After taking the beans out of the refrigerator, it is enough to place them in a boiling liquid and wait until fully cooked for about 5 minutes. If the fruits are kept in boiling water, the beans will begin to actively produce carcinogens that can adversely affect he alth. If cooking in a slow cooker, soak the beans in cold water for 2-3 hours to remove toxic substances from the surface.