Bean Classes

AZUKI BEAN

Adzuki, Aduki

Called red beans in China and Japan, from where they likely originated, the Azuki are small, deep red, and oval shaped. These are a sweet bean, often used in desserts. While the skins can be tough, the inside is tremendously smooth.

BLACK BEAN

Turtle Beans, frijoles negros

Black Beans are medium to small, oval shaped beans with a shiny black coat or skin, a small white eye or spot (called a "keel,") a creamy white interior, and a pleasant mushroom-like flavor which some cooks have described as "earthy" or "meaty." The beautiful glossy black color is actually a dark purple and is retained even when cooked. Although they are especially popular throughout much of the southern United States, the beans themselves are native to South and Central America, where they are a staple in South American, Mexican, and Caribbean cuisines. Black beans are widely used in salads, dips, and stews, and in thick soups, especially in Cuba, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and Spain.

CRANBERRY BEAN

Roman, October

The Cranberry Bean is medium-size, oval and creamy white with red speckles and streaks with an earthy flavor. It's often used in Italian dishes. An all around great looking, even better tasting bean!

GREAT NORTHERN BEAN

Great Northern Beans are large, oblong-shaped, and plump with a white skin. They are popular throughout North America and bring slightly nutty flavor to dishes. Great Northern Beans are frequently served mixed with Pintos and can even be substituted for the smaller Navy Bean in any recipe.

RED KIDNEY BEAN

A timeless favorite, kidney beans have been a standby for generations. Whether the light red variety (shown top left) or the dark red variety (shown bottom,) their size and bright color make them a wonderful addition to nearly any dish. Their flavor is full, their texture is soft, and, of course, chili wouldn't be chili without Kidney Beans. The name of the Kidney Bean is derived from its shape. Though the thicker skins of Kidneys may require increased cooking time, they retain a wonderful shape even when cooked in dishes that require a long-simmering time. Perhaps most popular in chili con carne and red beans and rice, Kidney Beans can always be found in a variety of dishes including soups, salads, sandwiches, and dip.

NAVY BEAN

Boston, Pea Bean

Navy beans get their name because of the frequency they were served to sailors at sea. Navy beans are small in size and compatible in flavor and texture. Often used by commercial baked bean manufacturers, the Navy Bean is flexible. It could easily show up in your next batch of baked beans, soups, salads, casseroles, or ethnic dishes.

PINTO BEAN

"Pinto" means painted in Spanish. Pinto Beans get their name from their mottled beige and brown skin. This medium-sized bean is a staple in the diets of Mexico and the American Southwest. Pintos can be found in chili, refried beans, and many dips.

SMALL RED BEAN

Though, more tender with a milder flavor, the Small Red Bean is often used interchangeably with Kidney Beans. Like the kidney, their color is burgundy red, but their size is small and round. Small Red Beans are used in chili, baked beans, spicy Cajun recipes, or any recipe that calls for a Kidney Bean.

YELLOW EYE BEAN

A member of the white bean family (along with Great Northern and Navy Beans.) Yellow Eye Beans are beautifully round and plump and retaining their color when cooked. They are an attractive addittion to a pot of soup and also used in baked beans, and salads.