Fabaceae or Leguminoseae : A large family with worldwide distribution. High protein content and quality; high quality oils. Associated with Rhizobium, a nitrogen fixing bacterium.
Some Important Food Crops:
Beans and Peas — about 25% (17-31%) protein
Phaseolus vulgaris — common beans, pinto, navy, black, etc. (right)
Phaseolus lunatus — lima bean
Vicia faba — broad bean
Vigna unguiculata — black-eyed peas
Lens culinaris — lentils
Pisum sativum - peas
Peanuts — Arachis hypogea
45-50% oil, 25-30% protein; margarine, shortening, oil, soaps, cosmetics, shaving cream, plastics and a variety of industrial products; livestock feed
Soybeans — Glycine max
13-25% oil, 30-50% protein; tofu and other foods; uses similar to peanuts; phytoestrogens
Forage Crops:
Largely used for hay production and forage but growing use by humans
Forage; honey production