Dividing beans into species is not that easy, because what we group together as beans come from very different plant genera. There are also over 700 types of beans. Find out more about pole and bush beans below and get to know a few delicious types of beans.
Wax beans are particularly tender and delicious
pole and bush beans
One way to classify beans is by their growth habit. Runner beans need - hence the name - a pole to grow, because they climb. They therefore grow a little higher than bush beans and form climbing shoots. Bush beans, on the other hand, grow bush-like on the ground and do not need climbing aids.
You can find delicious pole bean varieties here, and variety recommendations for bush beans here.
Distinguish bean varieties according to genera
All types of beans belong to the legume family, which can also be seen from their beautiful flowers. What all types of beans also have in common is that they belong to the legumes, which makes them so protein-rich and healthy for us. Then, however, three different genera can be distinguished:
- Phaseolus (genus of New World beans)
- Vigna (genus of Old World beans)
- Vicia (not beans at all, but actually sweet peas)
phaseolus
The genus Phaseolus is the most common in our home garden, because it includes the fire bean (Phaseolus coccineus) and the kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris).
Vigna
One type of bean that is known to us falls into this genus: the black-eyed pea, also known as cowpea.
vicia
Although it belongs to the vetch family, it is traded and eaten as a bean: the broad bean (Vicia faba). It has many names such as broad beans, cattle beans or broad beans and is mainly cultivated as animal feed.
Tasty types of beans
Differentiation aside, we recommend these delicious bean varieties for growing in the garden:
fire bean
The fire bean owes its name to its fiery red flowers. It belongs to the pole beans and is a real feast for the eyes. The dry seeds are also a beautiful, deep red colour. However, you can also harvest and cook the pods green.
wax bean
The wax bean has golden-yellow pods and tastes buttery soft. They are available in both pole and bush beans.
Soybean
The soybean has fallen into disrepute due to genetic modification. Nevertheless, you can find good organic seeds online and grow delicious soybeans. Harvest the beans green and eat the cooked young edamame with just a little salt for a special flavor experience.
angel bean
The angel bean is a white-flowering runner bean variety with a small angel on the seeds. Look for yourself!