NEW BEAN FROM BURMA.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1611, 16 September 1916, Page 4

NEW BEAN FROM BURMA.

Several experiments have been carried out in Burma in association with the Imperial Institute with a view to the production of beans more suited to the markets of the United Kingdom than those usually grown in Burma. ’ Among the dif r ferent beans tried is the tepary bean. This bean is grown largely for human c(«isumption by the Indian and Spanish settlers throughout Southern Arizona, United Stales and Northern Sonora, Mexico, and its cultivation extends westward into California. The bean possesses a high food value, and compares favourably with haricot beans, lentils and peas, which it closely resembles in composition. Hitherto these beans have been practically unknown in Britain, but a firm of bean importers state that they should have a ready sale in the United Kingdom and in some of the allied countries as a substitute for small haricot beans, and if introduced during the war should obtain a good fooling in the market. The tepary bean will, it is hoped, prove a valuable export crop for Burma, provided that it grows well and gives good yields. No supplies are yet available for export, but it is hoped that with these encouraging reports production on a commercial scale may become possible.