This leguminous bean is a native product from the Mediterranean, especially Italy and Iran. It is one of the oldest known crops, the production of which dates back to the prehistoric age. It is consumed fresh as a vegetable or as dry grains in stews. Beans have a high vitamin, carbohydrate and protein content.

Beans are consumed fresh, as vegetables, or the dry grains are used in soups and stews.
Beans have a high content of vitamins, carbohydrates and proteins.

Beans are not a mass consumption vegetable, probably because of the strong taste. But, as
is the case for other vegetables, beans must be included in the dietary pattern because of
their nutritional value (carbohydrates and proteins). Moreover, the following table shows that beans are rich in minerals (P and Fe) and vitamin B 1. For industrial use, beans can be processed as canned or frozen products.