Cluster beans—also known as guar beans or Cyamopsis tetragonoloba—are a fascinating legume with a lot going for them 🌿. Here’s a quick breakdown of what makes them special:
A drought-tolerant legume native to India, especially grown in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Known for their slightly bitter taste and fibrous texture.
Used both as a vegetable and as the source of guar gum, a thickening agent in food and industry.
Commonly cooked in Indian households as stir-fries, curries, or with lentils like moong dal.
Often pressure-cooked to soften their texture before adding spices.
Popular dishes include Goruchikkudu curry in Andhra cuisine and Guar phali with aloo in North India.
Rich in fiber: Aids digestion and helps regulate blood sugar.
Low in calories: Great for weight management—only about 15–35 kcal per 100g.
Packed with nutrients: Contains iron, calcium, potassium, folate, and vitamins A, C, and K.
Heart-friendly: Helps lower cholesterol and supports blood pressure control.
Pregnancy support: High in folic acid, which is essential for fetal development.
