Organic 'Kashmir' Bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris ) – offered by Gaia, a culinary treasure from the mountains of Kashmir
Kashmiri gram , also called Thull Rajma or Kashmiri cranberry gram , is an heirloom variety that has been cultivated for centuries in the Kashmir Valley. It is distinguished by its marbled red and white beans , which give it a beautiful appearance and a rich, deep flavor . Known for its creamy texture , it is the main ingredient in Rajma , a traditional Indian dish where the beans are slowly simmered in a spicy sauce.
This hardy, bushy bean grows well in cool to moderately warm climates , requiring direct sunlight and regular watering , especially during flowering and pod formation.
Did you know?
Rajma , prepared with these beans, is an iconic dish in North Indian and Pakistani cuisine. It is often accompanied by basmati rice and appreciated for its high nutritional value , rich in vegetable protein, fiber and antioxidants .
Spread : Bushy habit requiring space to develop well
Plant height : 40 to 60 cm
Quantity per pack : ± 40 seeds
Companion plants : Corn, carrot, cabbage, cucumber, peas, radish, potato, squash, nasturtium, rosemary
Enemy plants : Alliums (onions, garlic, leek), beetroot
Cultivation method
Before sowing, soak the seeds in warm water for up to 8 hours to speed up germination. Prolonged soaking may damage the seeds. Once the soil has warmed up after the last frosts, sow directly in open ground , spacing the plants 8 to 10 cm apart and the rows 60 cm apart.
Kashmir bean thrives in light, well-drained soil that is enriched with organic matter . It requires full sun exposure and moderate but regular watering , especially during flowering and pod development. Excess water can be detrimental to its growth, so it is important to ensure good soil aeration .
This variety takes 70 to 90 days to reach maturity. To enjoy a staggered harvest, it is recommended to carry out successive sowings every three weeks .
Harvesting and conservation
Pods should be harvested when they are fully developed and beginning to dry naturally on the plant. For dried beans , it is best to allow the pods to fully mature on the vine before harvesting and store them in a dry, well-ventilated area.
To avoid insect infestation during storage, it is recommended to freeze dried beans for 3 days before storing them in airtight jars.
With its authentic flavor , high nutritional value and easy cultivation , the Kashmiri bean is a must-have variety for gardening and traditional cooking enthusiasts! 🌱
