Welcome to the world of legumes where you can find proper information on legumes with pictures and names! They have lots of good nutrients and can be used in many different ways, not just for eating. These plants have more benefits than just being food. We will explore the different types of legumes, how they benefit your health and why they are important to farmers.
So get ready to discover the power of these amazing plants!
What are Legumes?
Legume is another term for plants in the bean family which includes food items like peas beans lentils and peanuts that are not actually nuts. These plants come in different shapes and sizes, like small green lentils in soup or clover in a field. Legumes have a special feature they have bacteria living on their roots. These bacteria are like superheroes for the legume plant. They take nitrogen from the air, which plants can’t use and change it into something that the plant can use. This process helps the legume plant to grow healthy and strong and it also improves the soil for other plants nearby.
Legume: Our Most Favorite Foods Examples
- Green beans (You can eat both the pods and the beans inside)
- Beans (including kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, and more)
- Soybeans
- Lentils
- Chickpeas
- Peas
- Peanuts (technically not a nut, but a legume!)
Legumes are not just for eating. Alfalfa and clover are plants that are used as food for animals and they also help in making honey by attracting bees. Legume trees, mostly found in warm areas, grow very big and provide quality wood. The world has more than 700 genera and nearly 20,000 species. These legumes are a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes which makes them interesting for people who love plants. This is also helpful for those who are searching for legumes with pictures and names for children.
Why Are Legumes Important?
Legumes are nutritional powerhouses, celebrated for their health benefits. They are an excellent source of:
- Protein
- Fiber
- Vitamins
- Minerals
Legumes stand out among plant species because they can take in nitrogen from the air. They improve the soil by adding good organic material and helping nutrients and water move around in the soil. With these different uses, legume crops are very useful for saving the environment in farming. They can be beneficial either as a growing crop or as crop residue left in the field. This makes them a versatile choice in sustainable farming practices.
Legumes are a powerhouse of nutrition. They supply fiber, protein, and carbohydrates. They are also a good source of B vitamins, iron, copper, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and phosphorous. Plant foods are low in fat, don’t have saturated fat, and don’t have cholesterol. This makes them a healthy choice for any diet.
20 Examples of Legumes with Pictures and Names (and Interesting Facts!)
Here’s a glimpse into the diverse world of legumes, with 20 examples to spark your curiosity (and maybe even your next grocery list visit!):
1. Tipu (Tipuana Tipu):
This tree looks very pretty and is found in South America. It has yellow flowers that smell nice and is often used to make places look pretty.
- Benefits: It adds beauty to landscapes and could be a place where pollinators find nectar.
- Uses: It’s used as a decorative tree in parks and gardens.
2. Bean (Phaseolus spp.):
This legume is essential and comes in many different types. Each type has a unique taste and can be used in different ways in cooking.
- Benefits: It’s a great source of protein and fiber and is packed with various vitamins and minerals.
- Uses: Beans can be enjoyed in many ways. They can be added to soups, stews, salads, and dips, or served as a side dish.
3. Soybean (Glycine max):
This is the largest legume crop in the world, and soybeans have many uses.
- Benefits: They are rich in protein and healthy fats, and are a good source of fiber and essential nutrients.
- Uses: Soybeans are used in many food products, including tofu, soy milk, soy sauce, and vegetable oil.
4. Ceibo (Erythrina spp.):
This tree is also known as the coral tree. Ceibo is famous for its beautiful red flowers and is the national tree of Argentina.
- Benefits: It adds vibrant color and beauty to landscapes and could be a place where pollinators find nectar.
- Uses: It’s used as a decorative tree in parks and gardens and is a national symbol of Argentina.
5. Pea (Pisum sativum):
This is a favorite in the springtime. Peas are available in both fresh and dried forms.
- Benefits: They are a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Uses: Fresh peas can be enjoyed in salads or cooked in soups, stews, and stir-fries. Dried peas are also used in soups and stews.
6. Carob (Ceratonia siliqua):
This tree from the Mediterranean region produces long fruits that look like pods. These are used as a substitute for cocoa.
- Benefits: Carob is a good source of fiber and minerals. It’s naturally sweet and can be a healthy alternative to cocoa powder for people who are sensitive to chocolate.
- Uses: The fruits are ground into carob powder which is used in baking, drinks, and desserts.
7. Lentil (Lens culinaris):
This is a staple food in many cultures. Lentils are full of protein and fiber.
- Benefits: They are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, and are rich in iron and folate.
- Uses: Lentils are enjoyed in soups, stews, salads, and dals (Indian lentil stews).
8. Tamarind (Tamarindus indica):
The Tamarind tree, also known as Tamarindus indica, is a very important fruit tree in the Indian subcontinent that has many uses. It tastes sour, sweet, cool, and a little tight because of what it’s made of.
- Benefits: Tamarind is a source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. It has a unique flavor that adds complexity to dishes.
- Uses: Tamarind is used in chutneys, candies, sauces, and beverages.
9. Peanut (Arachis hypogaea):
Peanuts are a favorite among legumes. Despite their name, peanuts are not actually nuts but are part of the legume family.
- Benefits: They are an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins.
- Uses: Peanuts are enjoyed in various forms. They can be roasted, made into peanut butter, used in candies, and added to various savory dishes.
10. Brazilwood (Caesalpinia echinata):
This tree from South America is known for its deep redwood.
- Benefits: Brazilwood has been a valuable source of wood for furniture and dye historically.
- Uses: It’s used in traditional woodworking and dyeing practices. However, these uses are less common today due to the availability of sustainable alternatives.
11. Lupine (Lupinus spp.):
Lupine plants are available in different colors and are grown for various reasons.
- Benefits: Lupine plants add beauty to landscapes with their vibrant flowers. Some varieties can fix nitrogen in the soil and can be used as green manure. Some lupine seeds can be processed into flour for human consumption.
- Uses: Lupine flowers are used for decoration in gardens. They are also used as a green manure crop for soil improvement. There is potential for using lupine seeds to produce protein-rich flour, although this use is limited.
12. Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia):
This tree grows quickly and is known for its sweet-smelling white flowers.
- Benefits: The Black Locust adds beauty to landscapes and is a valuable source of nectar for bees.
- Uses: It’s used as a decorative tree in parks and gardens and is a source of honey production.
13. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa):
Alfalfa is a healthy plant with lots of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It’s used to treat many sicknesses because it has some special healing properties.
- Benefits: Alfalfa is a grass plant and an excellent source of protein and fiber for animals to eat. It’s a nitrogen-fixing legume that improves soil fertility.
- Uses: Alfalfa is grown as animal feed. It’s also used in green manure practices to improve soil health.
14. Sophora (Sophora spp.):
This group includes different types of trees and shrubs with some interesting properties.
- Benefits: Some Sophora species have beautiful yellow flowers that add beauty to landscapes. Some varieties have been used in traditional medicine for various purposes. However, always consult a healthcare professional before using any plant for medicinal purposes.
- Uses: Sophora trees and shrubs are used for decoration in gardens. They have potential for traditional medicinal applications, but research and consultation with a doctor are necessary before use.
15. Clover (Trifolium spp.):
Clover plants are important because they have a lot of protein and help keep the soil healthy. People grow them a lot for animals to eat.
- Benefits: Clover is a nitrogen-fixing legume that benefits the soil by adding nitrogen. It improves soil fertility and provides valuable forage for grazing animals.
- Uses: Clover is grown in lawns and pastures for both aesthetic and practical purposes. It improves soil health for other plants.
16. Black Gram (Vigna mungo):
This is also known as urad dal and is a staple bean in South Asian cuisine.
- Benefits: Black gram is an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber. It’s rich in essential nutrients like iron and folate.
- Uses: Black gram is primarily used in savory dishes like dal makhani, which is a popular Indian lentil stew.
17. Chickpea (Cicer arietinum):
This is a versatile legume that is enjoyed all over the world. Chickpeas are the main ingredient in dishes like hummus and falafel.
- Benefits: Chickpeas are an excellent source of protein and fiber. They are also a good source of iron and other essential nutrients.
- Uses: Chickpeas are enjoyed in various ways. They can be used in hummus, falafel, roasted chickpeas, curries, and salads.
18. Bahunia forficata (Bahuinia forficata):
This decorative tree is originally from Southeast Asia.
- Benefits: Bahunia forficata adds beauty to landscapes with its stunning pink flowers. It could be a place where pollinators find nectar.
- Uses: Bahunia forficata is used as a decorative tree in parks and gardens.
19. Acacia (Acacia spp.):
This is a large group that includes many species of trees and shrubs.
- Benefits: Some Acacia species are valuable sources of wood that is used for construction and furniture. Some of them produce gum Arabic, which is a thickening agent used in various food and industrial applications, and tannin, which is a natural astringent with various uses.
- Uses: Acacia is a source of wood, gum arabic (which is used in food and industry), and tannin (which has industrial uses).
20. Astragalus (Astragalus spp.):
Astragalus is a kind of flower plant. For a very long time, people in China have used the root in their medicine.
- Benefits: Some Astragalus species are used in traditional medicine. However, always consult a healthcare professional before using any plant for medicinal purposes. Other species are grown for their ornamental value.
- Uses: Astragalus has potential for traditional medicinal applications, but research and consultation with a doctor are necessary before use. Some species are ornamental garden plants.
Legume fun fact:
The world’s largest lentil dish was prepared in India in 2019, weighing a whopping 4,700 kilograms (10,360 pounds)!
This list only covers a small part of the amazing legume world. From the plants we eat to the big plants in the rainforest, legumes are interesting to study because they teach us about plants, food, and how nature works.
What is the Healthiest Legume to Eat?
With so many varieties, it’s hard to pinpoint a single “healthiest” legume. Each variety boasts its own unique nutritional profile. Here are some factors to consider when choosing legumes for your diet:
- Protein content: Lentils, chickpeas and soybeans are all excellent sources of plant-based protein.
- Fiber content: Beans, peas, and lentils are all high in fiber, promoting gut health and keeping you feeling fuller for longer.
- Specific needs: If you’re looking for a good source of iron, consider black beans or lentils. For folate, chickpeas or kidney beans are a great choice.
The best way to get all the healthy nutrients from legumes is by eating different kinds of them in your meals.
What Are Legumes That Are Not Beans?
Beans are part of the legume family, but not all legumes are beans. Our list of 20 examples showcases this variety. Here are a few examples:
- Peas
- Lentils
- Peanuts
- Soybeans
- Lupines
- Clover
- Alfalfa
These legumes offer just as much nutritional value and culinary versatility as beans, making them excellent additions to a healthy diet.
Here are some resources to learn more about legumes:
- List of legumes: USDA
Attention travelers, food enthusiasts, and gadget gurus! Check here for your next adventure.
Conclusion
Legumes are an amazing group of plants that bring many benefits. They are a nutritional powerhouse and help improve the health of the soil. Legumes are really interesting and come in many different types. They are an important part of our gardens and kitchens and we should appreciate them.
Come and discover the amazing world of legumes, find your new favorite ones, and enjoy the delicious taste and health benefits they offer.
FAQs: 20 Examples with Pictures & Names
1. What are some examples of legumes?
Legumes include beans, peas, lentils, soybeans, and peanuts.
2. What is the difference between beans and legumes?
“Legumes” refers to the whole plant, while “beans” refers to the seed of a legume plant.
3. Are legumes good or bad for you?
Legumes are very nutritious, low in fat and cholesterol, and high in fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
4. Which nuts are legumes?
Peanuts and soy nuts are technically legumes.
5. Are legumes anti-inflammatory?
Yes, consuming legumes can improve several cardiovascular disease risk factors, including inflammation.