Evidence of this self-pollinating vegetable in its wild form
found in Mexico, Guatemala, and parts of the Andes mountains has been discovered
in Peruvian settlements from 8000 BC. String beans were introduced into Europe
during the Spanish conquest in the early 16th century.
String beans were first referred to as “kidney” beans by the
English in 1551, alluding to the shape of the beans. Ironically, string beans
discovered in America was used in ships food stores in long voyages of
exploration during the early 1500’s. When European colonists first explored the
Americas, they found climbing beans growing with corn, providing starch and
proteins for indigenous tribes.
String beans are a good source of protein, folate and
vitamins A and C. String beans are also good for heart health, as one cup of
beans a day is said to lower cholesterol 12 percent. As with other beans, the
primary drawback is that they may cause flatulence.
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