Editing Winged bean

{{Short description|Species of legume plant}}
{{distinguish|winged pea}}
{{Use British English|date=December 2016}}
{{Speciesbox
| name                = Winged bean
| image               = Psophocarpus_tetragonolobus_Blanco2.293.png
| image_caption       = Winged bean flowers, leaves, and seeds
| genus               = Psophocarpus
| species             = tetragonolobus
| authority  = ([[Carl Linnaeus|L.]]) [[Augustin Pyramus de Candolle|D.C.]]
}}
The '''winged bean''' ('''''Psophocarpus tetragonolobus'''''), also known as '''{{Transliteration|mis|italic=no|cigarillas}}''', '''Goa bean''', '''four-angled bean''', '''four-cornered bean''', '''manila bean''', '''princess bean''', '''star bean, kamrangi bean, pea''', or '''dragon bean''', is a tropical [[herbaceous]] [[legume]] [[plant]].

Winged bean is widely recognised by consumers and farmers in [[South Asia]] and [[South East Asia]] for its variety of uses and disease resistance. Winged bean is nutrient-rich and all parts of the plant are edible. The [[leaves]] can be eaten like spinach, flowers can be used in salads, tubers can be eaten raw or cooked, and seeds can be used in similar ways as the [[soybean]]. The winged bean is an underutilised species but has the potential to become a major multi-use food crop in the [[tropics]] of Asia, Africa, and Latin America.<ref name="Khan">{{cite book |last=Khan |first=T. |title=Winged Bean Production in the Tropics |publisher=Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations |year=1982 |page=1}}</ref>

== Description ==
The winged bean plant grows as a vine with climbing stems and leaves, {{cvt|3-4|m|ft|abbr=off|frac=2}} in height. It is an [[herb]]aceous [[Perennial plant|perennial]], but can be grown as an [[Annual plant|annual]]. It is generally taller and notably larger than the [[common bean]]. The leaves can be {{cvt|15|cm|abbr=off|frac=4}} long.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/277203364 |title=The Complete Guide to Edible Wild Plants |publisher=[[Skyhorse Publishing]] |others=[[United States Department of the Army]] |year=2009 |isbn=978-1-60239-692-0 |location=New York |pages=57 |language=en-US |oclc=277203364}}</ref> The shape of its leaves ranges from ovate to deltoid, ovate-lanceolate, lanceolate, and long lanceolate.<ref name="Khan" /> The green tone of the leaves also varies. The stem is most commonly green, but sometimes boasts purple. The large flower is pale blue.

The bean pod may be smooth or rough, depending on the [[genotype]]. It is typically {{cvt|15|–|22|cm|in|frac=2}} long, rectangular in cross-section<ref name=":0" /> (though sometimes appearing flat), and has four wings with frilly edges running lengthwise. The skin is waxy and the flesh partially translucent in the young pods. The colour of the pods may be cream, green, pink, or purple. When fully ripe, the pod turns an ash-brown colour and splits open to release the seeds (beans). The seed shape is often round; oval and rectangular seeds also occur. Seeds may appear white, cream, dark tan, or brown, depending on growing and storage conditions.<ref name="Khan" /> The beans themselves are similar to [[soybean]]s in both use and nutritional content (being 29.8% to 39% protein).

== Taxonomy ==
The winged bean belongs to the genus ''[[Psophocarpus]]'', which is part of the legume family, [[Fabaceae]].<ref name="Khan" /> Species in the ''Psophocarpus'' genus are perennial herbs grown as annuals.<ref name="Hym">{{cite journal |last=Hymowitz |first=T |author2=Boyd, J. |year=1977 |title=Ethnobotany and Agriculture Potential of the Winged Bean |journal=[[Economic Botany]] |volume=31 |issue=2 |pages=180–188 |doi=10.1007/bf02866589 |s2cid=5944034|doi-access=free }}</ref> ''Psophocarpus'' species have tuberous roots and pods with wings.<ref name="NRC1975">[[National Research Council (United States)|National Research Council]] (U.S.). (1975). ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=K52Gcxkzk4EC Underexploited Tropical Plants with Promising Economic Value]''. 2nd Edition. [[U.S. National Academies]].</ref> They can climb by twining their stems around a support.

== Distribution and habitat ==
Most likely originating from [[New Guinea]],<ref name="Hym" /> the species grows abundantly in the hot, humid [[Equatorial region|equatorial]] countries of [[South Asia|South]] and [[Southeast Asia]], as well as [[tropical Africa]].<ref name=":0" /> It is widely known in Southeast Asia and [[Papua New Guinea]], but only cultivated on a small scale.<ref name="Khan" />

It tends to be found in open areas and old garden sites, less so in the forest.<ref name=":0" />

== Ecology ==

=== Germination ===
Winged bean is a self-pollinating plant but mutations and occasional outcrossing may produce variations in the species.<ref name="Khan" /> The pretreatment of winged bean seeds is not required in tropical climate, but scarification of seeds has shown to enhance the germination rate of seedlings.<ref name="Khan" /> Seed soaking may also increase speed to germination, as is typical, and may be used in conjunction with scarification. Seedlings under natural field conditions have been reported to emerge between five and seven days.<ref name="Khan" />

Winged bean can grow at least as fast as comparable legumes, including soy. Plants flower 40 to 140 days after sowing.<ref name="Khan" /> Pods reach full-length about two weeks after pollination. Three weeks after pollination, the pod becomes fibrous; after six weeks, mature seeds are ready for harvest.<ref name="NRC1975" /> Tuber development and flower production vary according to genotype and environmental factors. Some winged bean varieties do not produce tuberous roots.<ref name="Khan" /> The winged bean is a tropical plant, and will only flower when the day length is shorter than 12 hours, although some varieties have been reported to be day-length neutral.<ref name="Khan" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Winged Bean |url=http://www.echobooks.org/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=s407 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514014132/http://www.echobooks.org/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=s407 |archive-date=2014-05-14 |website=www.echobooks.org}}</ref> All varieties of winged bean grow on a vine and must grow over a support. Some examples of support systems include: growing against exterior walls of houses, huts, buildings; supporting against larger perennial trees; stakes placed in the ground vertically; and structures made from posts and wires.<ref name="Khan" />

Because the early growth of winged bean is slow, it is important to maintain weeds. Slow early growth makes winged bean susceptible to weed competition in the first four to six weeks of development.<ref name="Khan" /> Khan (1982) recommends weeding by hand or animal drawn tractor two times before the support system of the winged bean is established.<ref name="Khan" />

Winged bean can be grown without added fertiliser as the plant has a bacterium on the nodules of the roots that fixes nitrogen and allows the plant to absorb nitrogen.<ref name="NRC1975" /> Factors that influence nitrogen fixation include, Rhizobium strain, interactions between strain and host genotype, available nutrients and [[soil pH]].<ref name="Khan" />

=== Growing conditions ===
[[File:WingedBean.jpg|thumb|alt=Four winged bean pods rest in the palm of a man's hand |Winged beans grown in a south-facing, raised compost bed in Alpine, [[New Jersey]], US]]

Although winged bean thrives in hot weather and favours humidity, it is adaptable.<ref name="Khan" /> The plant's ability to grow in heavy rainfall makes it a candidate for the people of the [[Tropical Africa|African tropics]].<ref>[[Village Earth]]. (2011). Appropriate Technology: Sustainable Agriculture. Appropriate Technology Library. Chapter: Tropical Legumes. Retrieved from http://villageearth.org/pages/sourcebook/sustainable-agriculture {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117181456/http://www.villageearth.org/pages/sourcebook/sustainable-agriculture |date=2018-01-17 }}</ref>

Winged bean production is optimal in humidity, but the species is susceptible to [[moisture stress]] and [[Waterlogging (agriculture)|waterlogging]].<ref name="Khan" /> Ideal growing temperature is 25&nbsp;°C.<ref name="Khan" /> Lower temperatures suppress germination, and extremely high temperatures inhibit yield.<ref name="Khan" />

Even moderate variations in the growing climate can affect yield. Growing winged bean in lower temperatures can increase tuber production.<ref name="Khan" /> Leaf expansion rate is higher in a warmer climate. For the highest yields, the soil should remain moist throughout the plant's life cycle.<ref name="Khan" /> Although the plant is tropical, it can flourish in a dry climate if irrigated.<ref name="NRC1975" /> If the plant matures during the drier part of the growing season, yields are higher.<ref name="Khan" />

Winged bean is an effective [[cover crop]]; planting it uniform with the ground suppresses weed growth.<ref name="Khan" /> As a restorative crop, winged bean can improve nutrient-poor soil with nitrogen when it is turned over into the soil.<ref name="Khan" />

== Composition ==
=== Nutrition ===

{{nutritional value| name=Winged beans, mature seeds, raw
| kJ=1711
| protein=29.65 g
| fat=16.3 g
| satfat=2.3 g
| monofat=6 g
| polyfat=4.3 g
| carbs=41.7 g
| fiber=25.9 g
| calcium_mg=440
| iron_mg=13.44
| magnesium_mg=179
| phosphorus_mg=451
| potassium_mg=977
| sodium_mg=38
| zinc_mg=4.48
| manganese_mg=3.721
| thiamin_mg=1.03
| riboflavin_mg=0.45
| niacin_mg=3.09
| pantothenic_mg=0.795
| vitB6_mg=0.175
| folate_ug=45
| vitC_mg=0
| vitA_iu=0
| source_usda = 1
| note=[https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/174283/nutrients Link to USDA Database entry]
}}

== Uses ==
=== Culinary ===

The entire winged bean plant is edible. The leaves, flowers, roots, and bean pods can be eaten raw or cooked; the pods are edible even when raw and unripe. The seeds are edible after cooking. Each of these parts contains [[Vitamin A|vitamin&nbsp;A]], [[Vitamin C|vitamin&nbsp;C]], [[calcium]] and [[iron]], among other nutrients. The tender pods, which are the most widely eaten part of the plant, are best when eaten before they exceed {{cvt|2.5|cm|1|frac=2}} in length. They are ready for harvest within three months of planting. The flowers are used to colour rice and pastry. The young leaves can be picked and prepared as a [[leaf vegetable]], similar to spinach.<ref name=":0" />{{Verify source|date=June 2022}}<ref>  Axelson, Marta L et al. “Consumption and Use of the Winged Bean by Sri Lankan Villagers.” Ecology of food and nutrition 12.3 (1982): 127–137. Web.</ref> The nutrient-rich, tuberous roots have a nutty flavour. They are about 20% protein; winged bean roots have more protein than many other [[root vegetable]]s.<ref name=NRC1981 /> The leaves and flowers are also high in protein (10–15%).<ref name="NRC1981" />

The seeds are about 35% protein and 18% fat. They require cooking for two to three hours to destroy the [[trypsin inhibitor]]s and [[hemagglutinin]]s that inhibit digestion.<ref name=NRC1981>National Research Council. The winged bean : a high-protein crop for the tropics : report of an ad hoc panel of the Advisory Committee on Technology Innovation. Board on Science and Technology for International Development, 1981</ref> They can be eaten dried or roasted. Dried and ground seeds make a useful flour, and can be brewed to make a [[Coffee substitute|coffee-like drink]].
<gallery>
Image:Japanese_Psophocarpus_tetragonolobus.jpg|Winged bean pods
Image:Wingedbean_roots.JPG|A young Burmese woman sells winged bean roots at a market in [[Mandalay]]
File:Pè myit.jpg|Boiled winged bean roots served as a snack in Burma
File:Sigarilyasjf1338.JPG|''[[Ginataang sigarilyas]]'', a Filipino dish of winged bean (''sigarilyas'') in [[coconut milk]]
</gallery>

The beans are rich not only in protein, but in [[tocopherol]]s (antioxidants that facilitate vitamin-A utilisation in the body).<ref>[[National Research Council (United States)|National Research Council]] (U.S.), 1975</ref> They can be made into milk when blended with water and an [[emulsifier]].<ref name=Yang>{{cite book |author=Yang, J., Tan, H. |title=2011 International Conference on New Technology of Agricultural |chapter=Study on winged bean milk |date=May 2011 |pages=814–817 |doi=10.1109/ICAE.2011.5943916 |isbn=978-1-4244-9574-0 |s2cid=22046459}}</ref> Winged bean milk is similar to [[soy milk]], but without the bean-rich flavour.<ref name=Yang /> The flavour of raw beans is not unlike that of [[asparagus]].

Smoked pods, dried seeds, tubers (cooked and uncooked), and leaves have been sold in domestic markets in South East and South Asia.<ref name=Khan /> Mature seeds can command a high price.<ref name=NRC1975 />
In Nagaland the fruit is eaten raw as salad and called ''charkona'' in the [[Nagamese]] creole. In the [[Angami language]] it is called kedia rücü.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Liezietsu |first=Vizonyü |title=Daru Nhako (Medicinal plants) |publisher=[[Ura Academy]] |year=2020 |isbn=9788190453950 |edition=1st |location=Kohima |pages=78-79 |language=njm}}</ref>

===As animal feed===
Winged bean is a potential food source for ruminants, poultry,<ref name=Khan /> fish, and other livestock.

For [[commercial fish feed]], winged bean is a potentially lower-cost protein source. In Africa, [[fish meal]] is especially scarce and expensive.<ref name=Fag>Fagbenro, A. (1999). Comparative evaluation of heat-processed Winged bean Psophocarpus tetragonolobus meals as partial replacement for fish meal in diets for the African catfish Clarias gariepinus. Aquaculture 170 (1999), 297-305.</ref> The [[Clarias gariepinus|African sharptooth catfish]], a highly valued food fish in Africa,<ref name=Fag /> can eat winged bean.
In Papua New Guinea highlands region where winged beans thrive, the husks are fed to domesticated pigs as a dietary supplement.

==See also==
{{Commons category|Psophocarpus tetragonolobus}}
*[[Green bean]]
*[[Ipomoea aquatica|Water spinach]]
*[[Yardlong bean]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist|30em}}

=== Sources ===

*National Research Council. The winged bean : a high-protein crop for the tropics : report of an ad hoc panel of the Advisory Committee on Technology Innovation. Board on Science and Technology for International Development, 1981

==Further reading==
*Venketeswaran, S., M.A.D.L. Dias, and U.V. Weyers. ''The winged bean: A potential protein crop''. p.&nbsp;445. In: J. Janick and J.E. Simon (eds.), ''Advances in new crops''. Timber Press, Portland, OR (1990).
*[https://www.leafforlife.org/gen/psophocarpus.html Entry for the Winged Bean in the "Leaf for Life" website]
*{{cite journal |last1=Verdcourt |first1=B. |last2=Halliday |first2=P. |year=1978 |title=A revision of ''Psophocarpus'' (Leguminosae-Papilionoideae-Phaseoleae) |journal=Kew Bulletin |volume=33 |issue=2 |pages=191–227 |doi=10.2307/4109575 |jstor=4109575|bibcode=1978KewBu..33..191V }}
*{{cite journal |last1=Kadam |first1=S.S. |last2=Lawande |first2=K.M. |last3=Naikare |first3=S.M. |last4=Salunkhe |first4=D.K. |year=1981 |title=Nutritional aspects of winged bean (''Psophocarpus tetragonolobus'' L.DC) |journal=Legume Research |volume=4 |issue=1 |pages=33–42}}
*{{cite journal |last1=Smartt |first1=J |year=1984 |title=Gene pools in grain legumes |journal=Economic Botany |volume=38 |issue=1 |pages=24–35 |doi=10.1007/bf02904413 |bibcode=1984EcBot..38...24S |s2cid=24451884}}
*Hettiarachchy, N.S. and Sri Kantha, S. Nutritive value of winged bean, ''Psophocarpus tetragonolobus''. ''Nutrisyon'' (Philippines), 1982; 7: 40–51.
*Sri Kantha, S. and Erdman, J.W.Jr. Winged bean as an oil and protein source; a review. ''Journal of American Oil Chemists Society'', 1984; 61: 215–225.
*Sri Kantha, S. and Erdman, J.W.Jr. Is winged bean really a flop? ''Ecology of Food and Nutrition'', 1986; 18: 339–341.
*National Research Council (U.S). (1975). Underexploited Tropical Plants with Promising Economic Value. 2nd Edition. U.S. National Academies.
*[http://www.nhbs.com/plant_resources_of_tropical_africa_volume_2_tefno_138981.html G. J. H. Grubben. (2004). Vegetables: Volume 2 of Plant Resources of Tropical Africa. PROTA]
*[https://villageearth.org/sustainable-agriculture/ Village Earth. (2011). Appropriate Technology: Sustainable Agriculture. Appropriate Technology Library. Chapter: Tropical Legumes]
*Yang, J., Tan, H. (2011). Winged Bean Milk. International Conference on New Technology of Agricultural, May 2011, 814–817.
*Khan, T. Winged Bean Production in the Tropics. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 1982
*{{cite journal |last1=Hymowitz |first1=T. |last2=Boyd |first2=J. |year=1977 |title=Origin, Ethnobotany and Agriculture Potential of the Winged Bean - ''Psophocarpus tetragonolobus'' |journal=Economic Botany |volume=31 |issue=2 |pages=180–188 |doi=10.1007/bf02866589 |s2cid=5944034|doi-access=free |bibcode=1977EcBot..31..180H }}
*Fagbenro, A. (1999). Comparative evaluation of heat-processed Winged bean Psophocarpus tetragonolobus meals as partial replacement for fish meal in diets for the African catfish Clarias gariepinus. Aquaculture 170 (1999), 297–305.

{{Taxonbar|from=Q1468260}}

[[Category:Crops originating from Asia]]
[[Category:Edible legumes]]
[[Category:Leaf vegetables]]
[[Category:Phaseoleae]]
[[Category:Pod vegetables]]
[[Category:Root vegetables]]
[[Category:Tropical agriculture]]
[[Category:Nitrogen-fixing crops]]
[[Category:Flora of Nagaland]]