The kidney bean: names, origins and nutritional values
The kidney bean is called kidney bean because its shape is reminiscent of a kidney, in English "kidney". It's also sometimes called the Mexican bean because it's often used in Mexican dishes, even though it originally came from Peru. The beans have a beautiful reddish brown color and are very rich in nutrients. 100gr kidney beans contain
- 24g protein
- 25g of fiber
- 24mg sodium
- 1406 mg of potassium
- 143mg calcium
- 140mg magnesium
- 8.2mg iron
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The kidney bean is a very healthy ingredient that is popular in Chile con carne and salads.
Grow the kidney bean in your own garden
When are kidney beans grown?
Kidney beans are sensitive to the cold and should only be sown in the bed after the Ice Saints at permanent temperatures of over 10 ° C. If you are one of the impatient gardeners and / or want to bring the harvest time forward, you can prefer the beans at home from the end of April.
Where are kidney beans grown?
Kidney beans like it sunny, warm and sheltered from the wind. Humous, sandy, loose soil is ideal.
How are kidney beans grown in the garden?
A row distance of about 50cm should be kept. A distance of about 10 cm is sufficient within the row. The kidney beans are sown relatively shallow. The kidney bean is actually a bush bean and does not need any climbing aid. For taller varieties, however, it can be an advantage to support the plants so that they grow better and do not break off.
Caring for kidney beans properly
Three weeks after sowing, you should pile up your young plants to give them a better hold. To do this, carefully push soil around the plants with a small shovel.
Kidney beans are sensitive to moisture. Don't water them too much!
Harvest kidney beans
Depending on the variety, kidney beans can be harvested 10 to 12 weeks after sowing. They can be harvested and cooked green and tender. However, the pods have threads that need to be removed. Another more common method is to leave the kidney beans on the plant until they are completely dry. If the pods are completely dry and there is a rattle when you shake them, the harvest time has come.
Tips
Let your dried kidney beans soak overnight before cooking them. This shortens the cooking time considerably.
