String Beans: Indonesia's Main Agricultural Commodity

Introduction to String Beans

String Beans: An Important Culinary Commodity

The long bean plant (Vigna sinensis) is a legume plant that produces pods up to 30-70 cm long. Long beans are easy to grow both on farms and in home gardens. Long beans that are still young and the fibers are still soft can be cooked into vegetables or fresh vegetables. This plant is a source of vegetable protein that can help reduce bad cholesterol levels in the blood. In addition, vegetable protein is more easily digested by the body and does not cause fat accumulation in the blood vessels.

Binomial Name

Vigna sinensis

Scientific Classification

Kingdom

Plantae

Divisi

Spermartophyta

Subdivisi

Angiospermae

Kelas

Dicotyledoneae

Ordo

Rosales

Famili

Papilionaceae/Leguminosae

Genus

Vigna

Spesies

Vigna sinensis (L.)

Origin of the Long Bean

From Africa to Indonesia

Long bean (Vigna sinensis L.) is a shrub plant that has long been cultivated by Indonesians. Long beans originated in India and Africa and then spread to tropical areas in Asia. String beans are related to uci beans (Vigna umbellata) which grow wild in the Himalayan region of India. String beans are also related to cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) which is native to Africa. Hence, the vine-type long bean plant originated in the tropics and Africa, especially Abbisinia and Ethiopia.

Fun Facts

Long beans are widely known in other countries as yardlong bean, Chinese long bean, or asparagus bean.

History

Long beans thrive in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.

Nutrient Content of Long Beans

Per (100 gram)

Protein

2,3 gr

Fat

0,1 gr

Carbohidrate

5,3 gr

Fiber

2,7 gr

Calcium

60 mg

Phosphor

64 mg

Sodium

30 mg

Copper

0,1 mg

Zinc

0,5 mg

Potassium

213 mg

Iron

0,6 mg

Vitamin A

125 mcg

Vitamin B1

0,7 mg

Vitamin B2

0,1 mg

Vitamin B3

0,3 mg

Vitamin C

46 mg

Key Health Benefits

Weight control

Being a low-calorie vegetable, consumption of broad beans does not result in significant weight gain.

Maintains a healthy digestive system

Broad beans contain protein and fiber, which are beneficial in boosting the body’s metabolism and controlling appetite.

Lowers blood pressure

The high potassium and fiber content in broad beans plays a role in preventing hypertension and maintaining healthy blood vessels and heart.

Controls blood sugar levels

Broad beans contain fiber which plays a role in slowing the absorption of sugar in the blood. They also have a low glycemic index, making them good for diabetics.

Long Bean Varieties

Long Bean Varieties You Should Know

Long Bean KP 1

This variety has a crunchy and slightly sweet taste, and can be harvested after 59-79 days after planting.

Long Bean KP 2

Variety KP-2 has about 5 to 18 pods per plant with a length of 35 to 70 cm.

Parama Pole Beans

This variety is well adapted to various land types and climates, has red and white seeds, dark green pod color, and crunchy and sweet fruit flavor.

Green Intestine Long Beans

This variety has long gilig-shaped pods with a dark green color. The young pods are crunchy and sweet in flavor.

You Should Know

String beans consist of regular string beans whose pods reach up to 40 cm and intestinal string beans whose pods are more than 80 cm long.

Economic and Market Potential of String Beans

String Beans: Export Commodity with Great Potential

Long beans have an export potential of 54,655 kg with a value of USD 55,299. Long beans experienced a surge in exports from only 4 tons to 41 tons. This vegetable has been exported to Singapore, Saudi Arabia, UAE and the Netherlands.