Tag: Leguminosae

From a botanical standpoint, a bean is unequivocally a seed. Beans are the mature ovules of flowering plants within the Fabaceae family, containing an embryo, stored food, and a protective seed coat. This biological fact often contradicts how we perceive and use beans in culinary contexts, leading to confusion about their proper classification.

According to botanists, the Fabaceae family is the third-largest family of flowering plants in the world, with approximately 751 genera and 19,000 known species. It is within this vast, diverse group that edamame, also known as the immature soybean, finds its home.

The Fabaceae family is the third-largest plant family in the world, consisting of over 20,000 species. Within this large group, the common pea belongs to the genus *Pisum*. The name Fabaceae is now the scientifically preferred name, though it is still commonly referred to as the legume, pea, or bean family.

Over 20,000 species of plants are included in the legume family, and all of these belong to the same taxonomic order. So, what order do beans belong to, along with their other pod-producing relatives? This detailed guide will explain the complete botanical classification of beans, from their kingdom to their specific genus and species.

Botanically speaking, an avocado is not a legume but a single-seeded berry. This often-confusing culinary item belongs to the laurel family (Lauraceae), a completely different plant family from the Fabaceae family that contains all legumes. The misconception likely stems from its savory flavor and use in dishes commonly associated with vegetables.