Anything so popular comes with a lot of variety, and that variety can get overwhelming. Luckily, there are a few simple differences that split beans into smaller groups, which can be helpful in figuring out what suits you best. Things that divides the varieties of bean plants is the difference between snap beans and shell beans. Snap beans may include green beans, yellow beans, and peas. Most beans can be eaten pod and all if they’re immature enough, and most beans will have to be shelled if they’re allowed to mature or even dry out.
Key Takeaways:
- Some varieties can get quite long. However, these plants offer the added advantage of a small footprint;
- Another thing that divides the varieties of bean plants is the difference between snap beans and shell beans.
- Basically, snap beans can be eaten raw, pod and all, while shell beans are meant to be opened up, or shelled, so the seeds inside can be eaten and the pods thrown away.
“While there are far too many specific bean types to name, the majority of bean plant varieties can be divided into a few main subgroups.”
http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/beans/bean-plant-varieties.htm