Green Beans: History And Varieties
Farmer's Weekly|September 20, 2019
Green beans originated in what is now Central America and Mexico and have been grown in the latter for at least 7 000 years. In time, farmers began differentiating between varieties more suitable to be eaten green, as a whole pod, and those better enjoyed as dry beans, such as haricots, which are used today for baked beans and sugar beans. Green beans and the various dry beans are all members of the same species, Phaseolus vulgaris, and can be crossed with each other.
Green Beans: History And Varieties

A close relative is the scarlet runner, P. coccineus, which has been developed into many varieties of dwarf beans. The scarlet runner does not cross with P. vulgaris.

DWARF BEANS

Dwarf beans, which are often referred to as bush beans or French beans, are very popular in South Africa, as they grow rapidly and have a concentrated bearing habit, traits that suit the local market.

RUNNER BEANS

This story is from the September 20, 2019 edition of Farmer's Weekly.

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This story is from the September 20, 2019 edition of Farmer's Weekly.

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