They don't usually harvest and store them fresh. Most are harvested and stored dry, but generally need additional processing to be used... there's just not the domestic capacity to use it all. They can only supplement feeding farm animals and unless processed beforehand, are just like cooking any other dry bean.
You could say it's often a religious person, but not all. The Catholic Church is notorious for this, but really no greater amount of nonce than other religions.
f o r e s h a d o w i n g