This is an archived web presentation from the NMNH Education Department and is no longer being maintained. For questions about this site please contact: education@si.edu.
Bean is a common name for the legume family. Snap beans
(also known as kidney beans) originally grew in Central America, but
they were growing all over North and South America before European
explorers came. Today, there are several varieties of beans including
snap beans, green shell, kidney, stringless, wax, pinto, navy, Great
Northern, and pink beans. Most beans are eaten fresh, but they
can also be canned, frozen, or dried.
