Definition

Noun 1. A type of legume: A sieva bean is a small, flat, green bean, similar in appearance and use to a lima bean. 2. The plant producing this bean: A bushy plant (Phaseolus lunatus), cultivated especially in the southern United States, which produces these small, flat, edible seeds.

Usage

The term "sieva bean" is used to refer to both the edible seed (the bean itself) and the plant that produces it. It is a specific variety of bean, often discussed in the context of gardening, cooking, and agriculture.

Examples

• Referring to the seed:
  • The recipe calls for one cup of cooked sieva beans.
  • Sieva beans are known for their delicate, buttery flavor.
• Referring to the plant:
  • The sieva bean is a bush bean, so it doesn't require a trellis.
  • We planted a row of sieva beans in our garden this spring.

Advanced Usage

• Culinary Context: Sieva beans are typically prepared by shelling (removing them from their pods) and then boiling, steaming, or incorporating into stews and succotash.
• Agricultural Context: The term distinguishes this specific bush variety from pole bean varieties or other types of lima beans, often highlighting its suitability for certain climates.

Variants and Related Words

• Butterbean: A common regional name, especially in the Southern U.S., for types of lima beans, which can include sieva beans.
• Lima Bean: A broader category of bean () to which the sieva bean belongs. All sieva beans are lima beans, but not all lima beans are sieva beans.
• Phaseolus lunatus: The scientific (Latin) name for the species encompassing both lima and sieva beans.

Synonyms

• Butter Bean (in some regional uses)
• Civet Bean (an older or less common term)
• Carolina Bean (a regional name)

Notes on Meaning

The primary meaning is the edible seed. The secondary meaning is the plant species that produces this seed. The term is most common in American English, particularly in the southeastern United States.

Noun

1. small flat green bean similar to lima beans
2. bush bean plant cultivated especially in southern United States having small flat edible seeds