We meet in one of the ages colder of the last times. The low temperatures have been with us for some weeks and the snow has appeared unexpectedly. This situation always entails the presence of those hot dishes on our table. The vegetables, and specifically, the bean They are usually the great protagonists of this time of year in which we find ourselves. Their multiple possibilities and its great nutritional benefits They have made this product one of the great dominators of the Mediterranean diet. Learn about all its secrets and benefits here. Adelante!
How are these legumes?
The bean belongs to the legume family. Its great versatility and extraordinary nutritional properties make it one of the most widely used foods in our gastronomy. With them we can find very various recipes, with the bean as the main ingredient, among which, for example, we highlight white beans with sausage.
You have to know that, depending on the country where you are, they receive different names: beans, beans, vean or beans, among others. But this is not only there. Even depending on the area of Spain they can be known by different terms such as: beans, pochas, caparrones or fabes, the latter, a very characteristic name of the northern peninsula.
The cultivation of the bean
The production of this food has fallen a lot in recent years. And it is that, delicacy of product and constant care that it needs to carry out its production have been one of the reasons for the decrease in its cultivation. Despite this, it is still the most consumed legume In our country. The cultivation of the bean has some very special features.
Therefore, they do not grow if the temperatures are less than 10 degrees or the amount of light received in a day is reduced. In addition, they develop better in warm and temperate climates. And if they are planted in windy areas they are more protected because they are fragile plants. On the other hand, they do not develop well in cold and humid lands, but not very dry either. They are favored by well-dug soils, fresh and rich in humus.
Finally, it is important that the beans are very exposed to the sun. They need soils that do not dry out, as they bear poor moisture deficiency. Therefore, they are not watered abundantly in the flowering season, as it could cause the fall of the flowers.
Nutritional benefits
Thanks to its cultivation characteristics, which we have already mentioned, the bean They have numerous nutritional properties. They are rich in iron, potassium, fiber, folates, and carbohydrates. In addition, they provide us with a significant amount of protein, although of less value than those of meat. The high concentration of fiber of beans helps us regulate intestinal function, while helping to maintain stable levels of glucose and reduce the cholesterol.
Along with all this, his meager contribution of sodium allows people with hypertension problems to include them in their diets. But, although as you have seen it has many virtues, people who have intestinal problems should avoid consuming them whole. In those cases, it is preferable to take them in the form of mashed potatoes.
Beans with PGI and PDO
All its nutritional properties endow the bean of a very high status within Spanish gastronomy. So much so that we can find them in any dish, either as a side or main ingredient. In Spain there are currently several Protected Geographical Indications (PGI) among which we find those of the Asturian Faba, Lourenza, the Avila boat, or the best known of the Bañeza- Leon. And there is even a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), which are those of Fesols of Santa Pau.
It is important that you know that when purchasing them in the market you have to make sure that they present a shiny and smooth skin. Since for bean They are of good quality and must be consumed within the first year after harvest, otherwise they will lose both their qualities and part of their flavor.
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The best recipes with beans
These legumes are very present in all types of diets. Therefore, these are some of the best-known dishes whose main ingredient is beans.
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- Surely the Asturian bean stew be the most popular of these recipes with fabas.
- Although we cannot forget the usual recipe for beans with chorizo, a simple version that is available to everyone.
- Another classic is the Tolosa beans, a variety of color between black and purple, with a magnificent taste for all palates
- The beans of the Farm They are a classic that is served with the so-called sacraments, the classic mixture of sausage, chorizo, blood sausage, bacon and meat. Although they are also perfect for cooking with a vinaigrette.
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These are just four examples of recipes, but the options are practically endless. Such a food rich and nutritious it is essential in our usual diet. And, now that you know each and every one of its properties, we encourage you to include this ingredient in your daily dishes. Enjoy the beans!