Description

🌿 Winged beans (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) are tropical legumes celebrated for their versatility, nutrition, and beauty. Known by many names—Goa bean, princess bean, dragon bean, and four-angled bean—they’re a gardener’s dream and a nutritional powerhouse.

🌱 Botanical & Growing Profile

• Growth habit: Vigorous climbing vine, up to 3–4 meters tall
• Climate: Thrives in hot, humid regions—perfect for Kerala and much of South Asia
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile loam; pH 6.0–7.5
• Support: Needs trellis, fencing, or stakes to climb
• Sowing time: Monsoon (June–July) or late winter (Feb–March)
• Harvest: Pods ready ~75 days after sowing; tubers at ~120 days

🍽️ Edible Parts & Culinary Uses

Every part of the winged bean is edible:

Flavor-wise, they’re nutty and slightly sweet—some say they taste like asparagus when raw.

🧪 Nutrition Highlights (per 100g)

• Protein: ~30g (rivaling soybeans!)
• Fiber: ~25g
• Vitamins: A, B1, B2, C
• Minerals: Iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus
• Antioxidants: Polyphenols, flavonoids

💚 Health Benefits

• Boosts immunity and eye health (vitamins A & C)
• Supports digestion and heart health (fiber & potassium)
• Aids muscle growth and energy (protein & phosphorus)
• Promotes healthy skin and pregnancy wellness (folate & iron)

🌟 Why Grow Winged Beans?

• Multi-use crop: Vegetable, pulse, green manure, animal feed
• Nitrogen fixer: Improves soil fertility naturally
• Low maintenance: Pest-resistant and adaptable
• Beautiful: Blue flowers and frilly pods add charm to gardens