cluster beans (ग्वारफली)
About cluster beans (ग्वारफली)
Cluster beans, known locally as 'Gwar ko tarkari' or 'Gwar phali' in Nepal, are a less common but nutritious vegetable in the country's diverse agricultural landscape. These beans are not as widely consumed as other popular vegetables like potatoes or tomatoes, but they hold a special place in some regional cuisines. They are often grown in kitchen gardens or small-scale farming and are recognized for their hardiness and ability to thrive in various climatic conditions. They are often prepared in curries or as a stir-fried vegetable. The consumption is not nationwide rather isolated.
Nutritional info
These are the major micro nutrients found in cluster beans
Seasonality
Cluster beans are typically available in Nepal during the summer and monsoon seasons, from late spring to early autumn (roughly from June to October). They are cultivated during the rainy season. The exact timing may vary slightly depending on the region and local climate patterns.
History
The exact history of cluster bean cultivation and consumption in Nepal is not well documented, and there's no clear-cut indication on when it started appearing as part of the Nepali diet. Unlike some staple crops, cluster beans do not have a long or prominent presence in traditional Nepali agriculture or cuisine history. They are believed to have been introduced much later compared to indigenous Nepali vegetables. The cultivation and consumption might have spread through agricultural exchange with neighboring countries, particularly India where it is a widely known and consumed vegetable. Historically, the production and consumption have remained on a smaller scale, generally confined to local use in specific areas rather than being integrated into the broader agricultural and culinary scene.