Kidney Beans

Kidney Beans

Kidney beans have a distinct flavor, color, and shape. They are named for their kidney shape and deep reddish-brown coloring. Not to be mistaken with the smaller red bean common in baked bean recipes, these medium sized, elongated beans are immensly popular for their deep, full flavor and smooth texture.

Like the lima bean, kidney beans originated in Peru, South America. It is considered a common bean variety and cultivation of this bean is older than corn. Beans are naturally gluten-free and kidney beans are loaded with fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals. The heartiness of the kidney bean makes it filling which may help control weight.  They are rich in protein making them a good meat substitute in a vegetarian or vegan diet. Vitamins in kidney beans include Folate, Iron, Copper, Potassium, Manganese, and vitamin K1. K1 helps blood coagulate. Other than weight loss, they aid in blood sugar control and colon cancer prevention.

Kidney beans are a wonderful substitute for pinto or red beans in rice dishes that require a longer cook time. Due to their thicker dark red skin, they don’t cook as fast as some other types of beans. They have a relatively plain taste which allows them to absorb the flavors of the dish. This bean, unlike the pinto, has a dryer texture which makes it best in a moist, or wet dish such as rice, soups, and stews. Replace red beans in a chili mac and cheese with kidney beans for a slightly different texture. Add kidney beans to sloppy joes and even try them with eggs.

Mount Hope Wholesale has a large variety of bulk beans including heirloom anasazi, black beans, appaloosa, garbanzo bean, and pinto beans.