Types of Beans
Black Beans
Earthy and dense, a staple in Latin American cooking — great in soups, burritos, and rice bowls.
Kidney Beans
Bold and firm, the backbone of a good chili. Named for their distinctive kidney shape.
Cannellini Beans
Creamy white Italian beans, perfect in minestrone or mashed with olive oil and garlic.
Pinto Beans
Speckled and mild, commonly refried or simmered low and slow with spices.
Edamame
Young soybeans, steamed and salted — a snack-bar favorite packed with protein.
Chickpeas
Technically a legume, not a "true" bean — but too beloved to leave out. Hello, hummus.
Why Beans Are Good For You
Beans are rich in plant-based protein, fiber, iron, folate, and potassium — and studies consistently link regular bean consumption to lower cholesterol and heart disease risk.
Fun Bean Facts
- Beans have been cultivated by humans for over 7,000 years.
- There are more than 13,000 species of legumes worldwide.
- Beans are a nitrogen-fixing crop — they naturally enrich the soil they grow in.
- The average American eats about 7.5 pounds of beans per year.
- Beans are one of the oldest cultivated foods on Earth, found in ancient tombs and archaeological digs.
Simple Ways to Enjoy Beans
🥣 5-Minute Bean Soup
Simmer canned beans with broth, garlic, and cumin. Blend half for creaminess. Done.
🥗 Three-Bean Salad
Toss black, kidney, and garbanzo beans with olive oil, vinegar, red onion, and herbs.
🫓 Quick Hummus
Blend chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil until smooth.