Vigna subterranea

African Heirloom. One of the world’s most underrated foods, and naturally superior to other legumes. The Nyimo bean is very well known in Africa under a number of different names., we have a number of strains from this outstanding bean. This one is direct from Zimbabwe and is known as the Nyimo bean. Store the seeds unshelled until just before planting for best viability.

Other Names: Bambara Groundnut, Jugo beans, Kwam (Nothern Nigeria), Congo Goober (Derived from the Kikongo word for peanut, nguba), Earth Pea.

A number of Bambara nut strains exist throughout Africa and have been cultivated since the 14^th century. They all originated and are native to the Sahelian region of West Africa. are commonly grown in the poorer rural areas by subsistence farmers as these are a failsafe crop when everything else fails during drought.Nyimo beansare traditionally grown by woman who are also responsible tohand it down to from generation to generation.Woman receive the seeds from a female relative when she gets married. Local chiefs also give them seed when they move to the area.

These beans can be used in exactly the same way as Bambara nuts. They can be harvested green for eating fresh and roasted as a snack. The seeds can also be left to ripen and harvested as dry beans for storage.Seeds are also roasted and ground using flat stones to make a kind of peanut butter. This legume improves soil fertility for neighbouring plants by fixing nitrogen into the soil. The red seeds contain twice as much iron as the cream seeds and can help where iron deficiency is a problem. Seeds are commonly given to pigs and chickens and the greens are used for animal fodder.

Planting Instructions

Best recommended for the warmer subtropical regions like Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Kwazulu-Natal. Sandy soil with a low fertility and a light texture that drains well is preferred. Phosphor is the most important requirement. Plantings made to late will result in reduced or very low yield.

About 90-180 days to maturity

Coastal Areas:            Oct-Nov

Inland Areas:               Oct-Nov