If you’ve ever wondered which legumes grow underground, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’re going to name the legumes that can be found underground! We’ll also answer some of the most common questions about beans that grow above the ground.
List of Legumes That Grow Underground
1. Peanuts
In the culinary world, we think of peanuts as nuts. Botanically speaking, though, they belong to the legume family. When the plant is growing, the ‘peg’ carrying the seed settles underground and runs horizontally. After four or five months, it becomes a fully-formed peanut.
2. Bambara Groundnut
Bambara groundnut is also known as Bambara bean or earth pea. It has a light brown color and a tiny, round shape. As the name suggests, it grows underground.
It can be found in sub-Saharan Africa and some parts of Asia. The Bambara groundnut has a slightly nutty flavor and people in some parts of the world use it in dumplings.
Common Questions
Are Peanuts the Only Legume That Grows Underground?
No, peanuts aren’t the only legume that grows underground. Some types of beans do, as well. An example is the Bambara groundnut, which is also called the Bambara bean.
Do Black Beans Grow Underground?
No, black beans don’t grow underground. The pods that contain them grow on the plant’s stalks, and farmers harvest them when they’ve turned a yellowish color.
Do Kidney Beans Grow Underground?
Kidney beans grow above the ground. The pods are harvested after about 140 days, once they’ve turned dry and strawy.
Do Pinto Beans Grow Underground?
No, pinto beans don’t grow underground. The reddish pods grow on the plant’s stalks, which the pinto bean producers snap off the moment they’re dry and ready for harvesting.
Wrap Up
To sum up, some legumes like peanuts and the Bambara groundnut do grow underground, but most mature in pods that sprout from the stalks of the plant. Among beans that grow above the ground are black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
