Cluster beans

Cluster beans Also known as Guar, gawar, govarphalli.The guar bean or cluster bean , is an annual legume, is the source of guar gum. Guar can be eaten as a green bean, but is more important as the source of guar gum. Young, fresh cluster beans have a narrow and long body with tiny pods. They are very popular vegetable. they are native to India and are widely grown, not only in Andhra but also in other parts of country (dry, warm and arid regions). Young ones are harvested for vegetable use. The mature pods - the seeds are harvested to be dried and powdered to flour known as guar gum. Guar gum is used as thickening agent in commercial food preparations like ice creams etc. The cluster beans are not only low in calories but are also very effective in lowering the blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Rajasthan grows most of the guar produced in India and it is harvested in October-November. However this vegetable can be found throughout the year in most markets