Beans originate from the tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America, where they were domesticated from wild legumes and became some of the earliest cultivated crops of those societies. Through trade routes and agricultural spread, they reached Europe and were adapted over centuries to a wide range of climates. Their diversity is extensive: round, elongated or flat‑seeded types, small‑ or large‑seeded forms, and colour variations from green, cream‑white, blue and brown to black, speckled or mottled — all reflecting the crop’s original richness.

In subtropical climates, beans benefit from warm soils and long growing seasons, allowing cultivation over an extended period. In temperate regions, all of our traditional and historically preserved open‑pollinated varieties thrive reliably when sown at the right time and given sufficient warmth. Beans are among the adaptable crop plants that can be grown successfully across very different climate zones.