Description and photos of popular varieties of asparagus beans

Green beans are a species of the type genus of the legume family. Due to the lack of a parchment layer inside the pods, all parts of the pod are edible. These characteristics have made this variety very popular among farmers in various agro-climatic zones. Moreover, the diversity of varieties allows for the cultivation of asparagus beans over vast areas.

Description and properties of the plant

After the vegetable's introduction to Europe, breeding institutes worked to develop varieties that do not form a parchment layer inside the blades. Today, asparagus varieties produce elongated, cylindrical, and nutritious fruits that retain their juiciness for a long time.

Peculiarities

The variety owes its name to its taste, reminiscent of young asparagus shoots. The main feature that distinguishes asparagus beans from common beans is the lack of membrane and tough fibers on the pods. The shape of the pods also distinguishes the variety: they are elongated and narrow.

Culture has three types of structure:

1. Bushy – 30-50 cm.
2. Semi-climbing – about 2 m.
3. Climbing – 2-5 m.

Both the pods and shoots can be a variety of colors, from green bean to purple. The pods of some Asian varieties reach 120 cm in length. Among the diverse hybrids, there are shade-tolerant varieties that grow well near trees and structures.

The benefits and harms of asparagus beans

Green beans offer numerous beneficial properties and high nutritional value. Their chemical composition is rich in carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and vitamins, making them an indispensable part of a healthy diet.

Important properties of asparagus beans – why they are so beneficial:

• promotes active fight against gastrointestinal infections and stabilizes its functioning;
• enriches cells with oxygen;
• normalizes hormonal levels;
• lowers blood sugar levels.

The only potential harm from beans, known as Kenyan beans due to the large share of exports from Kenya, is excessive consumption. Those with gastrointestinal issues should consult a nutritionist regarding a diet that includes these beans. The only contraindication is an individual intolerance to any of the ingredients.

Classification of varieties

The idea that asparagus bean varieties differ only in bean color (yellow, green) is erroneous. For convenience, the variety of hybrids of this vegetable crop is classified by the following parameters:

• the length of the pods and the number of beans in them;
• seed shape – with an elliptical or round cross-section;
• type of development – ​​bushy or climbing;
• ripening period – early, mid-season and late;
• productivity;
• Application: universal, for canning, only for fresh eating.

The most common classification is by ripening time. This makes it easier to select varieties for different regions. All varieties are suitable for southern regions, while early-ripening varieties are best for northern regions. Late-ripening varieties can be grown, but only from seedlings or in greenhouses.

The best and most popular varieties of asparagus beans

A good harvest is the result of extensive work, which begins with choosing the right variety. If you plant climbing asparagus beans, the harvest will arrive later than with bush beans. For agricultural production, it's best to sow seeds from high-yielding hybrids. You can learn about the characteristics of each by examining the packaging, which includes photos and descriptions.

Early varieties of asparagus beans

Early-ripening plants are those that can be harvested 40-60 days after sprouting. The most common are:

1. "Blue Lake" bean vines reach 3 m in height. The shoots produce bluish-gray pods up to 16 cm long. Harvesting of the pods begins 50 days after germination. The yield per plant is 700 g.
2. "Laura" is a vegetable with tender, sugary beans. Ripening is uniform. The cylindrical, yellow pods grow no more than 12 cm.
3. 'Allure' is an early bush bean. Due to its compact size, it is often planted between rows. Yields are high – up to 3 kg/m². The beans are white. The pods are green.

Mid-season

Mid-season green bean varieties include those with a growing season of 60-75 days (before harvest). These include:

1. The "Nezhenka" variety is a climbing asparagus bean with yellow beans whose flavor lives up to its name. The plant grows to a height of 3.5 m. A 1 m² planting yields approximately 1.5 kg.
2. "Yellow Neck" is a bean plant growing up to 40 cm tall. The pods are medium-sized, up to 12 cm. This vegetable is prized for its high nutritional value and excellent taste.
3. "Golden Necklace" produces nutritious beans that develop on shoots that grow up to 2 meters in height. Support is essential when cultivating.

Late varieties

Since the growing season of late-ripening green beans ranges from 80 to 100 days, they are grown primarily in the southern regions.

1. 'Beronia' is a green bean whose pods conceal white seeds. Planting tall runners yields approximately 2 kg per square meter.
2. 'Xera', the result of the work of Dutch breeders, is ideal for large-scale cultivation due to its low-growing bushes, making it ideal for mechanical harvesting.
3. "Nadezhda" is a late-season hybrid that received top marks from tasters for its flavor. Yields 2.2 kg/m². Suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation.

Green bean varieties suitable for freezing

Legumes are often stored frozen without being cooked. The following varieties are best suited for long-term freezing:

1. "Snow Queen" is one of the most suitable hybrids for freezing, its name reflecting its intended use. The 14-cm-long fruits retain their nutritional value in the freezer for up to a year.
2. "Yantarnaya" (Amber) beans are white, fairly large, and ideal for freezing. They retain their flavor after being removed from the freezer.
3. "Mauritanian"—the name comes from the black color of the beans. This mid-season variety is ripe for picking. The pods can be harvested right up until the first frost, but the pods will no longer retain their juiciness.

The best varieties of string beans without strings

The pods, without the parchment layer, are used in many side dishes and appetizers. Recipes for the latter often call for the pods, even when fresh.

Popular varieties:

1. "Butter King" is an early bean with yellow pods. The cultivars list drought and pest resistance in their characteristics.
2. "Golden Saxa" is a tender bean whose compact plants are covered with yellow pods. The harvest is early and used in cooking. "Saxa" asparagus beans are fiberless and are grown to create delicious appetizers with fresh vegetables.
3. "Secunda" is a hybrid grown in various regions, including harsh climates. It is disease-tolerant and highly productive. The green pods turn yellow when fully ripe.

High-yielding varieties

With proper agronomic practices, you can obtain an average yield of approximately 2 kg/m2. However, many varieties have been developed with yields twice as high:

1. 'Gerda' – thanks to its white beans, which weigh up to 1 g, the total yield per square meter reaches 4 kg. This is an early-ripening, climbing hybrid.
2. "Turchanka" is a versatile, high-yielding variety. With timely support, yields can reach 4.5 kg/m².
3. 'Flat' – purple pods up to 16 cm long stand out against green shoots. Despite being a bush plant, it can yield up to 4 kg per square meter.

Varieties of bush beans

Beans are a vegetable crop that concentrate nitrogen in their roots. Because of this ability, they are often planted between rows of other plants. Common bush hybrids include:

1. "Sapphire" is an early-maturing purple asparagus bean characterized by high yields and disease resistance.
2. "Treasure" – green beans in 10 cm long pods. The short bushes grow well even in fairly poor soils.
3. "Zlata" is a versatile variety suitable for both fresh cooking and canning. The pods are yellow, while the beans are white.

For the Middle Belt

It is no coincidence that the cultivation area is considered a risky farming zone, as summers here can be hot and the first frosts can come early.

In such agroclimatic conditions, it is better to select the following hybrids:

1. 'Viola' is a mid-season variety with average yields. It has a compact, bushy habit.
2. Melodiya is an early-ripening bean with a distinctive flavor. The yield is average.
3. "Golden Princess" – During the fruiting season, the plant is covered with yellow pods containing black seeds. The yield is average – about 2 kg/m².

For the Moscow region

The Moscow region is singled out for its high air pollution and large amounts of asphalt, which affect temperatures. Many bean varieties are suitable for the Moscow region, but the following are considered the best:

1. "Black Opal" is a bush-like plant with purple flowers and green fruits. It produces an early yield of around 2 kg per square meter.
2. "Zhuravushka" is a bean variety resistant to bacterial blight and consistently produces good yields. This vegetable is prized for its mild flavor.
3. "Snegurochka" is a high-yielding bush bean variety that, as its name suggests, is excellent for freezing. The black beans are hidden by yellow pods.

The best varieties of the Vigna genus

A separate genus of the legume family is often mistaken for a series of asparagus beans. They have a similar flavor, but they are different vegetables. Cowpeas are also known as Chinese long beans.

Popular varieties:

1. "Liliana" is a high-yielding, mid-season hybrid of Russian selection. A single plant can yield up to 3 kg of 50 cm long pods.
2. Mung beans – bush plants begin to bear fruit 50 days after germination. Olive-green mung beans can be eaten raw or stewed.
3. 'Kalancha' is an early-ripening member of the Vigna genus, whose pods can reach 86 cm in length. The pods contain small black seeds.

Features of growing and harvesting beans

Once you've secured the seed, you can begin field work. Green beans are easy to grow, and their cultivation doesn't take much time.

Landing rules

In many regions, seeds are sown directly into open ground after preparing the site. It should be sunny and protected from the wind. If the groundwater table is close, a higher elevation is necessary. The soil is tilled and enriched with nutrients in the fall. The optimal time for sowing is late May to early June. If there is a risk of cold weather, it is best to provide shelter. In areas with short summers, seedlings are planted, which allows for an earlier harvest than with seed.

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Care Features

Beans don't like excess moisture. Two waterings per week at a rate of 2 liters per plant is sufficient. If the soil hasn't been enriched beforehand, the crop should be fertilized 2-3 times during the growing season. Plants need especially intensive feeding during the budding and fruit set phases. Superphosphate and potassium sulfate are used. Additionally, climbing varieties should be tied to a sturdy support.

Harvesting

To serve delicious green bean dishes, harvest the beans on time. The optimal stage is the milky ripeness of the fruit. Harvesting time depends on the variety and can range from two weeks to a month.

Features of cooking green beans

If you decide to boil the pods, remove the outer fibers first. Peeling begins with the center of the pods. Once boiled, they are seasoned with garlic or sour cream sauce. If you're on a diet, it's better to steam the pods to preserve more nutrients.

Frozen beans are used for making these treats. Freezing preserves the fruit's natural nutritional value and mineral content. Throwing the beans into boiling water without defrosting them first will destroy their nutritional value. When digested, they release carcinogens, so eating these asparagus beans can actually be harmful to the body rather than beneficial.

Reviews

Olga, Kaliningrad

"I've tried many varieties of green beans. I like 'Golden Saxa'—it's fiberless—and 'Bluehilda', a climbing variety. Until recently, I only appreciated the bush varieties. But after seeing how beautifully the legumes decorate a fence, I started sowing vine-like hybrids as well. And to enjoy the delicious fruit longer, I freeze the pods."

Svetlana, Kazan

"I decided to try growing the 'Oil King' asparagus bean variety. I was delighted with the results. I sowed dry seeds without soaking them. The germination rate was 100%. The yield was good, and the fruit tasted excellent."

Grow green beans It's not difficult. The main thing is to choose a regionalized variety that takes into account the climatic characteristics of the growing region.