Bean vs. Legume: Difference and Comparison

Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on March 4, 2024

Beans are seeds from various plants within the family Fabaceae, used as food. Legumes refer to the entire family of plants, including beans, peas, lentils, and others, characterized by their fruit enclosed in a pod.

Bean vs. Legume

Difference Between Bean and Legume

Beans are a type of edible seed from plants in the legume family (Fabaceae) and are typically grown for their high protein and nutrient content. Common examples include black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, and soybeans. Legumes encompass a broader category that includes all plants in the Fabaceae family. This family is characterized by its members' ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, making them valuable for crop rotation and soil health.

Mar 04, 2024

The distinction between beans and legumes lies in their scope: all beans are legumes, but not all legumes are beans. Beans specifically refer to certain seeds within the legume family used for human or animal consumption, while legumes cover a wider range of plants, including those not typically eaten or used for different purposes, such as clover and alfalfa for animal feed and soil enrichment.

Mar 04, 2024

Both beans and legumes play significant roles in agriculture and diets worldwide. They are valued for their environmental benefits, such as nitrogen fixation, and their nutritional benefits, providing essential proteins, fibers, vitamins, and minerals. Incorporating beans and other legumes into the diet can support health and sustainability, promoting heart health, weight management, and soil conservation.

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Bean vs. Legume Comparison Chart

Definition

Seeds from certain plants within the Fabaceae family

Entire family of plants within the Fabaceae family

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Examples

Black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, soybeans

Peas, lentils, chickpeas, peanuts, beans, alfalfa

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Uses

Human and animal food

Food, soil nitrogen fixation, crop rotation

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Nutritional Value

High in protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals

Varied, generally high in protein and nutrients

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Agricultural Role

Crop for consumption

Crop rotation, soil health improvement

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Bean vs. Legume Definitions

◉Bean

Grown in pods, harvested for their seeds.

Soybean fields are common sights in agricultural regions.

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◉Legume

Beneficial for soil health due to nitrogen fixation.

Farmers plant clover, a legume, to enrich soil.

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◉Bean

A seed from various legume plants, eaten as food.

Black beans are a staple in Latin American cuisines.

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◉Legume

Includes a wide range of edible and non-edible plants.

Alfalfa is a legume used primarily for animal feed.

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◉Bean

High in protein, making them a meat alternative.

Kidney beans are often used in vegetarian chili.

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◉Legume

Versatile in use, from food to agriculture.

Chickpeas are grown for hummus and as a protein source.

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◉Bean

Consumed worldwide in various dishes.

Pinto beans are a key ingredient in refried beans.

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◉Legume

A family of plants with pods containing seeds.

Peas and lentils are common legumes in global diets.

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◉Bean

Can be dried, canned, or fresh.

Fresh green beans are popular in salads and side dishes

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◉Legume

Encompasses beans, providing diverse dietary options.

Lentils, a type of legume, are used in soups and stews.

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◉Bean

Any of various twining herbs of the genus Phaseolus in the pea family, native to the Americas, having leaves with three leaflets and variously colored flowers, and widely cultivated for their edible pods and seeds.

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◉Legume

A plant of the pea family.

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◉Bean

A seed or pod of any of these plants.

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◉Legume

A pod of such a plant, which splits into two valves with the seeds attached to one edge of the valves.

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◉Bean

Any of several related plants or their seeds or pods, such as the adzuki bean, broad bean, or soybean.

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Bean vs. Legume Frequently Asked Questions

Why are beans important in a diet?

Beans are high in proteins, fibers, and essential nutrients, making them an important food source for health and nutrition.

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How do legumes benefit agriculture?

Legumes improve soil health through nitrogen fixation, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and supporting crop rotation.

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Is tofu considered a bean product?

Yes, tofu is made from soybeans, which are a type of bean, making it a legume-based product.

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Are legumes good for everyone?

While highly nutritious, some people may need to moderate legume intake due to allergies or digestive sensitivities.

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How do beans and legumes fit into sustainable agriculture?

Their nitrogen-fixing ability reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers, promoting more sustainable crop production practices.

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Are peanuts considered a bean or a legume?

Peanuts are classified as legumes, not beans, because they belong to the larger family of Fabaceae plants and grow in pods.

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What's the difference between green beans and dried beans?

Green beans are harvested while the pod is still green and tender, eaten whole, while dried beans refer to mature beans removed from the pod and dried.

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Can beans be grown without soil?

Beans typically require soil, especially for the nitrogen-fixing benefits legumes provide, but hydroponic systems can grow certain types without soil.

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Can all legumes be eaten?

Not all; while many legumes are edible and nutritious, some are grown for purposes other than consumption, like soil enrichment.

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Can legumes be used as animal feed?

Yes, certain legumes like alfalfa and clover are commonly grown for high-quality animal feed.

Mar 04, 2024

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Written by

At Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.

Edited by

As a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.