- nitrogen-fixing plants of family Fabaceae: beans, lentils, peas, chickpeas, soybeans
- symbiotic root nodules harbor Rhizobium bacteria converting atmospheric N2 to ammonia
- primary plant protein source for human nutrition
- enriches soil nitrogen, essential rotation partner for grain and other crops
- seed pods split along two seams when mature
- processed via cooking, sprouting, fermentation (food) (tempeh, miso, soy sauce)
- low water demand relative to animal protein, efficient use of energy
- central to food sovereignty and clean food systems