Phaseolus vulgaris

Overview

Phaseolus vulgaris, the common bean, is one of the world's most important food crops, originating in Mesoamerica and the Andes with evidence of cultivation

Phaseolus vulgaris, the common bean, is one of the world's most important food crops, originating in Mesoamerica and the Andes with evidence of cultivation dating back over 8,000 years. It encompasses hundreds of cultivated varieties including kidney beans, black beans, navy beans, and pinto beans, grown both as snap beans for fresh pods and as dry beans for their seeds. The species is a critical protein source for billions of people globally and is grown on every inhabited continent.