Black Beans

• History documents the existence of black beans in the Americas more than 7,000 years ago. They are also known as turtle beans and Venezuelan beans. Latin cooks rely on them because of their versatility and mild flavor. They are the main ingredient in black bean soup and often served as an entree with rice. Brazil and India grow the majority of black beans distributed throughout the world. The high fiber content of these beans contributes to the support of the digestive tract and is particularly helpful in promoting colon health.
  
  

White Beans

• Navy, great Northern, soy, butter and lima beans are all dried varieties of white beans that are mild-flavored, versatile legumes. The United States Navy is responsible for giving navy beans their name early in the 20th Century. They are a main ingredient in minestrone soup. All white beans, including the great Northern variety, make tasty dips when combined with olive oil and flavorful spices. Combine dried baby lima beans, lima beans or butter beans with ham for a main dish entree.
  
  

Pink or Red Beans

• Several varieties of beans are pink or red in color. These include small red, small pink, kidney, cranberry and pinto beans. Archeologists found evidence that kidney beans have been around for thousands of years. They are one of the ingredients in three-bean salads and chili. Kidney beans are a large bean with a hard texture that requires overnight soaking before cooking. Use pinto beans for making refried beans to serve with Mexican or Southwestern dishes. These beans derived their name from their blotchy and splotched appearance. The word "pinto" means "painted" in Spanish.
  
  

Garbanzo Beans

• Many dishes in the United States use garbanzo beans that originated in the Middle Eastern countries. Also known as the chickpea, there are two varieties of garbanzo beans. The kabuli-type garbanzo bean has a light, cream-colored appearance, while the desi-type is much smaller with colors ranging from tan to black. Hummus, a dip for pita bread, chips or fresh veggies, uses garbanzo beans as the main ingredient. Roasted garbanzo beans, flavored with various spices, make a tasty nutritious snack.