Psophocarpus Tetragonolobus 5 Seeds, Vegetable Winged Bean, Nitrogen Fixing Fodder

Psophocarpus Tetragonolobus
Also known as: Winged Bean, Asparagus Pea, Four-Angled Bean, Goa Bean, Dragon Bean, Cigarillas, Princess Bean

Here is a herbaceous legume vine that is gaining in popularity in North America but is widely distributed through the tropics and subtropics of South / SE Asia and India for its variety of uses and disease resistance.

A climbing perennial with large pale blue flowers that produce 15-20 cm
(6-8 in) winged pods at maturity. It can also be planted as an annual.

The leaves, shoots, flowers, pods and seeds are all edible. The root tuber is white and firm and averages 20 percent protein. The tubers are eaten roasted or raw and have a pleasant, slightly nutty taste. Young pods, harvested while still tender and bendable, can be boiled and served like French beans or dipped in sauces and curries. The green seeds from both immature and mature pods are consumed, while ripe seeds can be roasted before eating. The nutritional composition of winged bean seeds is comparable to that of soybean with approximately 30 percent protein. Dried seeds are fermented to prepare a meat substitute called “tempeh” or processed to produce tofu. Protein-rich bean milk and flour are useful dietary treatments for those that are protein deprived. Flowers eaten steamed or fried have the color and consistency of mushrooms.

Stems, leaves, and processed seeds can be used as fodder and cattle forage. It's very beneficial for soil improvement as it is a nitrogen-fixing species. It also makes an effective cover crop, planting it uniform with the ground suppresses weed growth.

Thrives in hot, wet climates, although a dry period is favorable to fertilization and the production of mature pods. Grows well under a variety of soil conditions except in high salinity environments.

This offer is for 5 seeds.