What major crop is grown mostly on small farms?
By Chelsie Vandaveer
September 18, 2001
Sponsored By: Novica.com
killerPlants Tendrils: ~~1~~2~~3~~4~~5~~
Suggested Reading – Plus Ice Cream Beans & Sacrifice at Planting Time: Click here.
From genetic and protein studies done on the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) [fa zee' o lus vul gare' is], it appears that the plant was domesticated twice, once in Peru and again in Mexico. Interestingly, it happened at about the same time 7,000 years ago. Two separate peoples began the cultivation of a plant that is now grown world wide.
Beans are extremely adaptable to different growing situations, they mature and produce in a relatively short time, and their symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria can help improve marginal soils. From a farming point of view, these factors make beans an attractive crop, but it is the dietary benefits that make the difference. Beans are a nutritionally rich food; high in complex carbohydrates, protein, iron, folic acid, magnesium, and copper. The addition of beans to the diet in tropical countries has greatly reduced the occurrence of protein deficiency diseases, anemia, and birth defects.
Approximately 20 million tons of dry beans are produced yearly with a market value of 10 billion US dollars. Small farms in Mexico, Brazil, Central America, and Africa account for about 80 percent of the annual production. Generally in the Americas the small farms are family operations, but in Africa, the farmers are mostly women. Small farmers began the cultivation of the common bean and small farmers continue the tradition.
To view a photograph of some of the beautiful varieties of Phaseolus vulgaris produced in Peru, click on the Ethnobotanical site at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale:
http://www.siu.edu/~ebl/gallery.htm
killerPlants Tendrils: ~~1~~2~~3~~4~~5~~
Suggested Reading:
What is favism? Plants that Changed History - October 7, 2003
Why did ladies use bean poultices? Herbal Folklore - September 8, 2003
What is L-dopa? Plants that Changed History - September 2, 2003
What is a fava bean? Weird Plants - September 4, 2003
Ice Cream Beans
NOVICA®
Described as one of the lost crops of the Inca, the pacay, or ice cream bean hides a tasty white fruit surrounding large seeds. Francisco Cienfuegos depicts the succulent Peruvian treat in a delightful still life, the cluster of cheerful green pods radiant on a coppery background. Titled "Ricas Huabas" in Spanish. [Tell me more...]
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