legume crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the "legume crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, organized by length, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "legume crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
PEA: A small, spherical green vegetable that grows in a pod, widely eaten fresh or frozen.
SOY: Short for soybean, a widely cultivated legume used to make products like tofu, soy milk, and tempeh.
4 Letters
BEAN: A general term for the seed of several plant genera, especially in the Fabaceae family, often eaten as a vegetable.
5 Letters
VETCH: A genus of flowering plants in the legume family, often grown as a forage crop or for green manure.
6 Letters
LENTIL: A small, lens-shaped edible pulse, a staple food in many cultures, belonging to the legume family.
PEANUT: Although commonly called a nut, it's botanically a legume, growing underground in a pod.
COWPEA: A type of edible bean grown extensively in semi-arid regions of Africa and Asia, also a legume.
7 Letters
ALFALFA: A flowering plant in the pea family, primarily grown as forage for livestock, notable for its deep roots.
8 Letters
CHICKPEA: A round, yellowish-brown pulse, also known as garbanzo bean, widely used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine.
9 Letters
BROADBEAN: A large, flat green bean, also known as fava bean, cultivated for its edible seeds and pods.
More About "legume crossword clue"
Legumes are a fascinating and common category in crosswords, often appearing due to their diverse names and botanical classifications. From everyday staples like beans and peas to more specific terms like lentils and alfalfa, the world of legumes offers a rich vocabulary for puzzle constructors. Knowing that peanuts are technically legumes, despite their common perception as nuts, is a frequent trick used in clues.
Understanding the broad definition of legumes – plants that produce a pod containing seeds – can greatly assist in solving related clues. They are known for their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, making them crucial for sustainable agriculture. This ecological aspect might even sneak into a more complex crossword clue, so a little background knowledge can go a long way.
When you encounter a "legume" clue, think about the most common varieties first, then consider less common ones if the letter count suggests. Always double-check if the clue hints at a specific type or a general category, as "bean" covers a wide range, while "chickpea" is very specific.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Specificity: Is the clue asking for a general legume (e.g., "Pod producer") or a specific one (e.g., "Hummus ingredient")? This will guide you to broader or narrower answers.
- Count the Letters Carefully: Once you have a potential answer in mind, double-check its length. Crossword puzzle solutions are precise, and an extra or missing letter means it's not the right fit.
- Consider Common Variants and Synonyms: For "legume crossword clue," remember that words like "bean," "pea," "lentil," and even "peanut" are strong candidates. Sometimes, a clue for "bean" might be answered by a specific type of bean.
- Think About Botanical vs. Culinary Terms: Some clues might lean on the botanical definition (e.g., peanut as a legume), while others might refer to the culinary use (e.g., "Soup ingredient").
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a legume in the context of crosswords?
In crosswords, a legume refers to any plant in the pea family (Fabaceae) whose fruit is a pod containing seeds. Common answers include BEAN, PEA, LENTIL, SOY, etc.
How do I identify a legume answer in a crossword?
Look for clues related to beans, peas, lentils, or plants that produce pods. The clue might mention "pod," "pulse," "protein source," or a specific variety like "garbanzo." Consider the letter count provided to narrow down possibilities.
Are nuts like peanuts considered legumes in crosswords?
Yes, botanically, peanuts are legumes, as they grow underground in pods. In crosswords, they are often accepted as answers for "nut" clues, but also for "legume" clues, highlighting their dual nature.