What do legumes produce?

Legumes are a diverse group of plants, so they produce a variety of things! Here's a breakdown:

Primary Products:

* Seeds: This is what most people think of when they hear "legumes." These seeds are packed with protein, fiber, and various nutrients, and are used for:

* Food: Beans, lentils, peas, chickpeas, peanuts (technically a legume) are all popular food staples.

* Animal feed: Legumes are often used as feed for livestock.

* Flowers: Some legumes have beautiful flowers, like lupins and clovers.

* Fruit: The seed pods are technically fruits, but we usually call them "pods."

Secondary Products:

* Nitrogen Fixation: Legumes have a special relationship with bacteria that live in their roots. These bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form plants can use, making legumes valuable for soil health.

* Medicinal Properties: Some legumes have medicinal uses, like licorice root (a legume) which is used for its soothing properties.

Let me know if you'd like more information about specific legumes or any of these products!