Yes. In the family of beans. This is it's fresh form. When it gets dry, you can then open it up and bring out the seeds which is like beans. The can be cooked like beans but it takes time to get done o. You either use potash or ngo... local things ...to soften it or you continue cooking it until it gets done. Just make sure it's not gas or kerosene. Use electric gas or firewood in that case. Thanks for your time.