English Bean

English bean is an important economic crop grown in several regions of UK for its edible seeds. The English beans are typically known as ‘field beans’ characterized by a strong tap root that grows into the soil very deeply.

 

Cultivation Overview of English Bean

There are two main groups of English bean: Winter and spring. Both these groups are having different characteristics that are discussed below:

 

Winter beans: These beans are sown particularly at the end of the autumn season. Although they are high yielding varieties, the inferior quality and the greater disease risk in comparison to spring beans are some of the reasons for less popularity of these beans for culinary purposes.

 

Spring beans: These beans are generally sown in the month of January and are slightly better in quality than the winter variety. But they are likely to be affected from summer droughts.

 

Culinary Uses of English Bean

English bean grown in UK is used widely in English dishes such as baked dishes, salads, soups and even in sauces. Boiled beans are highly consumed as vegetables and dry legumes known as ‘pulses’ are incorporated to make protein-rich dishes.

 

Broad bean is pureed, fermented and even fried to make several dishes in English cuisine. Beans are even fried and spiced to be eaten as a crunchy snack, whereas fermented and pureed bean paste is used as a base for many dishes. 

 

Popular English Bean Recipes

  • English field bean pate – This is a dish prepared with bean puree that is typically seasoned with salt, pepper and herbs like thyme, rosemary and sage. Olive oil and crushed garlic are added to flavor the puree that can be eaten well, chilled with toast.
  • Beans on toast – This is the most popular breakfast dish prepared in English cuisine. Soaked beans are boiled with sugar, mustard, onion and vinegar and spread on cheese toast, which can either be eaten without grilling or with grilling with some extra cheese topping.

 

 English Beans Nutrition Facts

English beans, like other beans, are an excellent source of protein and dietary fibers. Iron, folate and carbohydrates are also present in significant amounts in English beans.

 

Trivia

  • English bean contains twice the content of protein in comparison to cereals – a major factor that make this bean the highest cultivated food crop in UK from past 3000 years.
  • English field bean is quite different from navy bean, which is the real source of popular English dish ‘baked beans’.