Rajma, also known as kidney beans due to their distinctive kidney-like shape, is a popular legume widely consumed in Indian cuisine. Kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are known for their rich flavour, firm texture, and high nutritional value, making them a staple ingredient in many Indian households, particularly in North Indian dishes.
Key Characteristics of Rajma (Kidney Beans):
Appearance:
Shape: Kidney-shaped, slightly curved with rounded edges.
Size: Medium to large-sized, usually about 1.5 cm in length.
Colour: Deep red or maroon for the most common variety, though kidney beans can also be light red or speckled.
Texture:
Raw: Hard and firm when dried.
Cooked: Soft and creamy inside with a firm outer skin, making them perfect for slow-cooked dishes.
Aroma: Rajma has a mild earthy aroma when uncooked, which becomes richer when cooked, especially with spices.
Flavour: Rajma has a slightly sweet and earthy flavour. When cooked, it absorbs the Flavors of spices and seasonings well, making it ideal for hearty stews and curries
Specification:
Culinary Uses:
Rajma Curry: The most common use of kidney beans in India is in Rajma, a spicy and flavorful curry cooked with onions, tomatoes, garlic, and Indian spices, typically served with rice (Rajma Chawal).
Salads and Stews: Kidney beans are also used in cold salads, soups, and stews due to their firm texture and ability to retain shape during cooking.
Mashed Beans: Cooked kidney beans can be mashed and used in patties or kebabs for vegetarian recipes.
Nutritional Value:Kidney beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, making them an important food for vegetarians. They are rich in dietary fiber, essential vitamins (especially B vitamins), minerals like iron, potassium, and magnesium, and antioxidants. Due to their high fiber content, they promote digestion and help regulate blood sugar levels.
Varieties:
Red Kidney Beans (Rajma): The most common variety used in Indian cuisine, known for its deep red color and creamy texture.
Light Red Kidney Beans: Lighter in color, but with a similar texture and flavor.
Speckled Kidney Beans: A less common variety, which has a mottled appearance.
Rajma is a versatile and nutritious legume that plays a central role in Indian cooking, offering a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and health benefits.
Benefits:
Kidney beans are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They support heart health, digestive health, and provide sustained energy.
Cultivate Seasons for India:
Kidney beans are typically sown in June-July and harvested in October-November.
Our Services
Reliable Sourcing:
Reliable sourcing of Rajma (kidney beans) in India involves partnering with trusted suppliers and farmers in key kidney bean-producing regions such as Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh. These regions offer ideal climate and soil conditions for cultivating premium-quality kidney beans. Farmers practicing sustainable and organic farming methods are prioritized to ensure that the beans are grown without harmful pesticides or chemicals. Reputable suppliers ensure that the beans are harvested at the right time to maintain optimal size, flavor, and nutritional content. Working with certified suppliers who adhere to Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) ensures traceability and consistency in the supply chain.
Premium Quality Assurance:
Premium quality assurance for kidney beans starts with rigorous testing at every stage of production. The beans are initially tested for size, color uniformity, and firmness. Quality checks are conducted to ensure that the beans are free from contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, and mold. Moisture levels are closely monitored, as high moisture content can lead to spoilage; the ideal moisture content is maintained below 14%. The beans are also inspected for foreign particles such as stones or other impurities. Testing for nutritional values, including protein, fiber, and mineral content, ensures that the Rajma meets global food safety and quality standards. Proper packaging in airtight, food-grade materials is used to preserve freshness and prevent contamination during transport and storage.
Process:
The processing of Rajma involves several key steps to ensure high-quality beans reach the market:
Harvesting: Kidney beans are harvested once fully matured and dried in the field to ensure optimal texture and flavor.
Drying: The beans are further sun-dried or mechanically dried to reduce moisture content to below 14%, preventing mold and spoilage.
Cleaning: Mechanical cleaning processes remove impurities, such as dust, stones, and plant debris. The beans are passed through grading machines to sort them based on size and quality.
Polishing: In some cases, the beans undergo a polishing process to enhance their appearance, making them more attractive to consumers.
Sorting and Grading: The beans are sorted based on size, color, and overall quality. Premium-grade beans are selected for packaging and sale in the domestic and international markets.
Packaging, Shipping & Delivery
Packaging:
Bags and Pouches:
For Rajma, high-quality food-grade materials such as laminated multi-layer pouches (made of materials like PET, PE, BOPP, and Aluminum foil) are used. These bags are moisture-proof and help retain the freshness, flavor, and aroma of the spices. Zip-lock pouches, stand-up pouches, and resealable bags are also popular for smaller quantities.
Polypropylene (PP) Woven Bags:
These are the most common types of bags used for packaging large quantities (25 kg and 40 kg) of Rajma. They are made of woven polypropylene material, which is strong, lightweight, and durable, providing excellent resistance to tearing and damage during handling and transport.
Laminated Bags:
For additional protection against moisture and humidity, PP woven bags can be laminated with a layer of plastic film. This lamination creates a barrier against moisture, ensuring the spices stay dry and fresh during transportation and storage.
Multi-Wall Paper Bags:
These bags consist of several layers of kraft paper, which provide strength and are often lined with a plastic or polyethylene layer to offer protection against moisture and humidity. They are environmentally friendly and widely used in many markets for exporting food products.
Vacuum-Sealed Packaging:
This type of packaging removes air from the package before sealing, which helps prevent oxidation and moisture build-up, preserving the quality and extending the shelf life of the spices.
Paper or Carton Boxes:
After the packaging, the smaller bags or pouches are placed in corrugated cardboard cartons or paper boxes. These cartons are sturdy, stackable, and protect the contents from physical damage during handling and transportation.
Palletization and Wrapping:
Cartons or sacks are often stacked on wooden or plastic pallets and wrapped with stretch film or shrink wrap. This provides stability, reduces the risk of damage during transport, and makes handling more efficient.
Export Documentation:
Handle all necessary export documentation, including phytosanitary certificates, certificates of origin, and any specific certifications required by the importing country.
Efficient Shipping:
Partner with reliable freight forwarders and logistics companies to ensure timely and safe delivery of goods. Offer multiple shipping options (air, sea, or land) based on customer preferences.