Dragon Tongue Beans: Description, Flavor, Benefits, And Uses

Enjoy the enchanted world of Dragon Tongue Beans, an old heirloom variety with a rich history and distinctive characteristics. These interesting beans, named for their connection to mythological dragon tongues coming out from their pods, are a garden treasure like no other. Dragon Tongue Beans distinguish themselves from other bean varieties due to their notable appearance and distinct flavor and texture. They are known for their culinary agility and aesthetic appeal, and they promise to offer intrigue as well as a burst of flavor to your cuisine. Here’s everything you need to know about Dragon Tongue Beans, a delicious and magical food that’s just as fascinating on the plate as it is in the garden.

What are Dragon Tongue Beans?

Dragon Tongue Beans, an heirloom breed from South America, has a 5,000-year history of cultivation. They are known scientifically as ‘Tropaeolum magus’ and are admired for their unique appearance and historical significance. The beans are enclosed in pods that take on a distinctive shape, appearing as small, whimsically shaped beans that are like miniature dragon tongues when mature. This visual likeness is more than just coincidental; it is a natural indicator that the beans are ready for harvesting. Aside from their remarkable appearance, Dragon Tongue Beans are prized for their outstanding flavor profile and texture, which differentiates them from more traditional bean kinds.

They give a splash of color to any dish with their brilliant hues, and their flavor adds depth to a range of cuisines, making them a popular option among both home cooks and professional chefs. Dragon Tongue Beans are an amazing addition to the bean world, thanks to their unique blend of historical intrigue, visual appeal, and culinary variety.

History and Origins:

Dragon Tongue beans were first grown in central Mexico and have spread throughout the Americas, from North to middle to South. This journey demonstrates their adaptability to changing environmental circumstances as well as their growing popularity across civilizations. Following the paths of Spanish colonization, these peculiar beans finally made their way to Europe, expanding their worldwide reach and introducing European gardeners and cooks to their identifying properties.

The oldest demonstrated record of Dragon Tongue beans dates back to 1519 when a Spanish missionary documented it. This early remark referred to them as “small flat beans with pointed ends,” indicating their historical significance in agriculture and food. Dragon Tongue beans have since charmed the imagination and appetites of people all around the world. Their long-standing presence in culinary traditions across continents shows their adaptability and rich legacy, making them more than just a vegetable but rather a symbol of historical culinary journeys and trade.

Cultivation & Growing Conditions:

Dragon tongue beans are easy to grow and thrive in warm climates with plenty of sunlight. The plant requires well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It should be watered regularly to ensure optimal growth and production. Planting should be done in early spring when the soil is warm and all danger of frost has passed. A single plant will produce several pods throughout the season, each containing up to 8 beans.

Appearance:

Dragon tongue beans are similar in shape to other common beans, such as navy or black-eyed peas. However, the most distinctive feature of dragon tongue beans is the coloring. The outside of each pod has a purple hue, while the interior is light green. The texture of the bean itself is firm and tasty when cooked.

Flavor Profile:

Dragon Tongue beans are a unique variety of beans that possess a distinctive flavor. The beans have a crunchy texture and a sweet, nutty taste that distinguishes them from other beans. The pods of the Dragon Tongue bean are elongated and dark green in color.

When cooked, the Dragon Tongue beans develop a more complex, savory, and sweet flavor profile. If cooked properly, the texture remains crisp and crunchy, making them an excellent addition to soups and salads.

Plant Characteristics:

The plant itself is an annual with a sprawling, prostrate growth habit. It can grow up to 36 inches (91 cm) in height and spread to 24 inches (60 cm) wide. Its leaves are large, heart-shaped, and light green. The flowers are white or pink, and the beans are dark purple-brown with distinctive black stripes.

The dragon tongue bean has an unusually long growth cycle for a bean plant, taking up to 120 days from planting to harvest. As the name implies, these beans have a unique ‘tongue’ shape and a chewy texture, making them perfect for adding to soups or salads. They are often used in Mexican cuisine, particularly in frijoles negros (black beans).

Health Benefits:

Dragon tongue beans are a powerhouse of nutrients packed with essential vitamins and minerals that help you live a healthy lifestyle. They are high in dietary fibre, which promotes effective digestion and a healthy stomach, both of which are important for general wellness. Furthermore, the beans’ high protein content is essential for muscle growth and repair, making them a fantastic meal choice for people trying to improve their overall health.

Dragon tongue beans are packed with important vitamins and minerals. They contain a good amount of dietary fiber, which helps keep your digestive system healthy, and protein, which is essential for building and maintaining muscles. Dragon tongue beans also provide several key minerals such as iron, magnesium, and zinc, which all help to boost your metabolism and maintain strong bones.

Where are Dragon Tongue Beans Grown and Harvested?

Dragon tongue beans are mainly grown in Central and South America. They are harvested when the pods have turned a deep purple color and then dried for storage. Dragon tongue beans can be found in many specialty stores and online shops specializing in Mexican food products.

Seasonality and Availability:

Dragon Tongue beans, known for their delightful flavor, exhibit a clear seasonality that varies across America’s diverse climates. In the northern zones (3-5), these beans have a season from late summer to early fall, with planting taking place after the threat of frost has gone. This region’s growers may start their seeds indoors or use greenhouses to shelter the beans from colder temperatures, ensuring a successful growth cycle. The limited warmth of these zones constrains the growing season, making every harvest a cherished bounty.

As we move towards the warmer southern zones (6-11), the seasonality of Dragon Tongue beans expands significantly. In zones 6-8, the planting window is broader, spanning from late spring through mid-summer. This allows for a prolonged harvesting period from mid-summer into the fall. In zones 9-11, gardeners can enjoy an even more extended growing season. They can be planted in early spring and late summer, and some areas even offer the potential for year-round cultivation. This zonal variation highlights the adaptability of Dragon Tongue beans across America. It also emphasizes the importance of understanding the local growing conditions for optimal cultivation and harvest timing.

The best quality dragon tongue beans are often found in specialty stores specializing in Mexican food products. They can also be found online from purveyors of Mexican foods. When shopping for them, looking for fresh-looking pods with no signs of mold or discoloration is important. You should also refrain from buying pre-packaged dragon tongue beans, as these may not be of the highest quality. Additionally, when buying dragon tongue beans online, read reviews and check for customer feedback before purchasing. This will ensure that you get the freshest and most flavorful product available.

What is the Best Way to Store Dragon Tongue Beans?

Dragon Tongue Beans should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. For best results, beans should be stored for at least three months and consumed as soon as possible. If storing for over three months, freezing the beans or putting them in the refrigerator may be beneficial. 

Once opened, any unused beans should be kept in an airtight container and used within a few days. It’s best to purchase Dragon Tongue Beans in small quantities to maximize freshness. This will ensure you always have the freshest product available. Additionally, keeping the beans away from direct sunlight or other heat sources will help maintain their flavor and texture for longer. 

How to Cook with Dragon Tongue Beans?

Dragon tongue beans can be cooked in a variety of ways. They can be boiled, steamed, or simmered and used in various dishes such as soups, salads, side dishes, and even desserts. To bring out their flavor, seasoning them with herbs and spices before cooking is recommended. Dragon tongue beans are a great addition to any meal as they are extremely versatile.

Dragon tongue beans can also be eaten raw as a snack, either whole or chopped up and added to salads. They have a slightly sweet flavor that pairs nicely with other flavors like garlic, onion, cilantro, and lime juice.

“Delicious Dragon Tongue Beans with Garlic and Lemon Twist”

Let’s learn how to make sautéed dragon tongue beans with garlic and lemon, which are delicious dishes. Start with a handful of fresh Dragon Tongue beans, which you should cut and wash. Blanch the beans in boiling water for three minutes, or until just tender but still crisp, then quickly chill in ice water to retain their brilliant color. Next, heat olive oil in a hot pan and add chopped garlic, boiling it until it smells but is not overbearing. Season the beans with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick. Sauté them until they are evenly coated in garlicky oil and fully cooked.

These beans contain a variety of essential minerals, such as iron, magnesium, and zinc, all of which play important roles in biological activities. Iron is required for the delivery of oxygen throughout the body, magnesium supports muscle and nerve activities, and zinc promotes immune system health and metabolism, so contributing to bone strength. Incorporating dragon tongue beans into your diet not only allows you to appreciate their rich flavors but also provides a variety of nutritional benefits. Dragon tongue beans can be a tasty addition to a balanced and nutritious diet. Still, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare practitioner to ensure they meet your unique dietary requirements.

Finally, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and an equal amount of grated Parmesan cheese will enhance the flavors and bring the dish into great balance. Sautéed Dragon Tongue Beans with Garlic and Lemon is a simple yet lovely side dish that combines the beans’ natural sweetness with the rich depth of garlic and the sharpness of Parmesan, all highlighted by lemon. It pairs well with a range of main courses, adding a delicious blend of flavors and pleasures to your dinner.

Conclusion:

Dragon tongue beans are a great addition to any meal and can be cooked in various ways. They are nutritious, have a unique flavor and texture, and can be eaten raw or cooked. Whether you add them to soup, salads, or even desserts, they are sure to bring an interesting twist to your dishes!

FAQ:

When should you pick Dragon Tongue Beans?

When the flat beans turn from lime green to buffed yellow with bright purple stripes.

What do Dragon Tongue Beans taste like?

The bean has a slightly sweeter, juicy flavor than your typical green bean.

Can Dragon Tongue Beans be eaten raw?

The entire pod – shell and beans – can be eaten raw.

How long does it take to grow dragon tongue beans?

55-60 days.

What are other names for Dragon Tongue Beans?

Dragon Langerie, Merveille de Piemonte and Meraviglia del Piemonte.