13 Popular Types of Beans in India

High in nutrients, fiber, and protein with great taste, here are some of the best Types of Beans in India that you can grow and relish!

Beans are a rich source of soluble fibers, proteins, and other minerals. The dried form of beans is processed as lentil or dal, while the fresh and tender pods are cooked as vegetables. If you are wondering what the best Types of Beans in India that you can grow are, then you are at the right place!

Check out our article on the best types of Cabbage in India here

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Types of Beans in India

1. Yardlong Bean

Botanical Name: Vigna unguiculata ssp. sesquipedalis

Other Names: Barbati, Asparagus Beans, Snake Beans, Cholai

The yardlong beans are famous for their edible pods. They are stir-fried with potatoes and spices as a staple and can also be steamed for soups. Whereas mature pods are famous as a lentil.

2. French Beans

Botanical Name: Phaseolus vulgaris

Other Names: Green beans, Common Beans

The velvety and thin pods of french bean carry very tiny seeds. The fresh beans have a lime green shade with a mildly sweet flavor and a semi-starchy texture.

3. Broad or Fava Beans

Botanical Name: Vicia faba

Other Names: Semphalli, Ballor, Bakla

The crisp texture is the specialty of broad beans. Rich in dietary fibers, the round and green beans are relished dried and fresh both. Mostly, the beans are treated as a pulse.

4. Moth Beans

Botanical Name: Vigna aconitifolia

Other Names: Dew Beans, Dew Gram, Moth, Mat, Mat Beans, Matki

Moth beans have yellow-brown pods that shell up to 4-9 seeds. The pods have an elongated shape that comprises nutty-flavored seeds. High in calories and proteins, they are a great snack!

5. Chickpea Beans

Botanical Name: Cicer arietinum

Other Names: Bengal Gram, Chana, Sanaga Pappu, Shimbra

These round beans are high in proteins and one of the most sought after beans as they are famous in Indian delicacies like chana masala and chole bhature. It is one of the most popular Types of Beans in India!

6. Soya Beans

Botanical Name: Glycine max

Other Names: Bhat, Bhatwar, Bhetmas, Ramkurthi

From oil, soya milk, soya flour, to tofu, the soybean is consumed in countless forms. Rich in protein with zero starch, the soybean is a boon for diabetic patients and those who follow a vegetarian diet.

7. Guar / Cluster Beans

Botanical Name: Cyamopsis tetragonoloba

Other Names: Gavar, Gawar, Guvar, Goru Chikkudu, Guar

The cluster bean has a slightly earthy taste and grounded to make a flour known as guar gum. This flour is used as a thickening agent for preparing icecreams, sauces, and other Indian cuisines.

8. Ground / Bambara Beans

Botanical Name: Vigna subterranean

Other Names: Congo Goober, Earth Pea, Ground-Bean, Lobiya, Chawli, Chavli, Bambara Groundnut

The Bambara or lobia beans are chickpea-like, round nutty-flavored beans with an earthy undertone can be consumed fresh, but mostly its mature and dried seeds are boiled to consume as pulses.

9. Mung Beans

Botanical Name: Vigna radiata

Other Names: Green Bean, Moong, Mash Bean, Munggo, Monggo, Green Gram, Golden Gram

When talking about the famous Indian fritter, ‘moong bhajiya‘ made from the moong always tops the list. The ovoid-shaped mung bean is consumed either with skin ‘hare chilke moong daal,’ or without skin ‘peeli moong daal.’

10. Runner Beans

Botanical Name: Phaseolus coccineus

Other Names: Scarlet runner bean, Multiflora bean, Runner Bean, Dutch Runner Bean, Case Knife Bean, Seven Year Bean

Blending the starchy and nutty flavors, the fresh runner beans go well in stir-fry and pair with the rice dishes. Its pods are harvested when they are tender, about 5-6 inches long.

11. Lima Beans

Botanical Name: Phaseolus lunatus

Other Names: Bean butter bean, Sieva bean, Double bean, Madagascar bean

The starchy and light flavored lima beans pair well with a multitude of recipes. They are high in dietary fibers, work as a natural laxative, and keep blood pressure in check.

12. Rice Beans

Botanical Name: Vigna umbellata

Other Names: Red Bean, Climbing Mountain Bean, Mambi Bean, Oriental Bean

The beans are popular as a dry pulse in Indian households and are mostly boiled and relished with rice. Also, the beans are grounded to make flour, which is said to be nutritious for growth.

13. Velvet Beans

Botanical Name: Mucuna pruriens

Other Names: Kiwach, Bengal Velvet Bean, Cowage, Cowitch, Lacuna Bean, Monkey tamarind, Bengal velvet bean, Florida velvet bean, Mauritius velvet bean

Its roasted seeds can be used as a coffee substitute. They are also extensively used in Ayurveda to treat various ailments, including diabetes, diarrhea, tuberculosis, and menstrual disorders.