'Bean' is the common name for large, fiber-rich plant seeds eaten by animals and humans alike. Originally the term 'bean' only referred to the fava bean, but was later expanded to include the common bean and runner bean, and is now generally applied to many others such as soybean, peas, chickpeas and more. A summer crop, beans require warm temperatures to grow and mature in about 55-60 days. They often require external support, such as a pole. One of the longest-cultivated plants, beans have been grown since 7,000 B.C.E and over 40,000 varieties exist today.