Bambara groundnut

Vigna subterranea · Legume

40 pairings

The Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) is an African pulse whose pods ripen underground, like the peanut — a hardy, drought-tolerant legume grown across the semi-arid savanna for its protein- and carbohydrate-rich seeds. Often called a "complete food" because the seed carries a good balance of protein, carbohydrate and oil, it is boiled, roasted or milled into flour, and is one of the most important indigenous grain legumes of sub-Saharan Africa after cowpea and groundnut.

Picking a good onedrag

This season's cropHoled, musty, spent

Cupboard stockThe everyday porridge, stew and boiled-snack bean. Hold a real boil until soft right through - that full cook is what clears the trypsin inhibitor.Everyday best

Coat and hilumColour good, the shine gone a little flat

Holes and dustA chipped edge or two, the rest sound

Heft and rattleHard and dry, the rattle a shade duller

Smell in the bagDry and dusty, a plain starch note

What to look for, from this season's crop to holed, musty, spent.

Preparing