Legumes

The Legumes are annual herbaceous plants belonging to the Fabaceae family, whose seeds are rich in proteins. Legumes have always been a primary source of sustenance for humanity given their widespread use. Beans of the genus Phaseolus come mainly from Central America, while those of the family Vigna originate both in the Mediterranean and in the Asian regions. Broad beans, Peas, Chickpeas and Lentils, instead, have been cultivated since ancient times in the area of the Fertile Crescent to spread rapidly throughout the Mediterranean basin. Finally, Soybeans, Mung Beans and Azuki have their origins in the Far East.