Vigna subterranean - Bambara Groundnut (formerly Voandzeia subterranea)
The Origin
Its name is derived from the Bambara tribe, who currently lives in Mali. The plant originated in West Africa a food and source of income, the Bambara groundnut is considered to be the third most important leguminous crop in those African countries where it is grown, after peanut and cowpea.
It is an indigenous African crop that has been cultivated for centuries from Senegal to Kenya, and from the Sahara to South Africa and Madagascar.
Introduction
The Bambara groundnut is also called the Congo groundnut, Congo goober, Madagascar groundnut, earth pea, baffin pea, njugo bean (S. Africa), voandzou, nzama (Malawi), indhlubu and underground bean.
This legume is grown for its underground seeds, which are formed in pods on or just below the ground, much like the similar but distinct peanut.
The pods are round, wrinkled and more than a half inch long. Each contains one or two seeds that are round, smooth and very hard when dried.
The seeds may be cream colored, brown, red, mottled or black eyed.
Interest in the plant, especially among vegetarians, may increase as its nutritional properties become more well known.
Recent studies have found it is high in protein and a complete food, providing all of the daily nutritional requirements for protein, carbohydrate and fat/oil of an adult human.
Nutritional Information
This nutrient-dense legume is sometimes termed a “complete food” due to its balanced macronutrient composition. Bambara groundnut contains ~6
4.4% carbohydrate, 23.6% protein, 6.5% fat, and 5.5% fiber and is rich in minerals.
The protein is reported to be higher in the essential amino acid methionine than other grain legumes.
Conclusion
Bambara groundnut represents the third most important grain legume in semi-arid Africa. It is resistant to high temperatures and is suitable for marginal soils where other leguminous crops cannot be grown. It is a low-impact crop. The entire plant is known for soil improvement because of nitrogen fixation.
Bambara nuts are also used as flour.
