Beans: A Journey

Beans: the magical fruit. A staple in many houses, the subject of nostalgic rhymes, an overall wonder of a food. A bean is defined as “an edible seed, typically kidney-shaped, growing in longpods on certain leguminous plants.” Although this definition seems pretty solid, what really are beans? How do people actually feel about them? According to the Ontario Bean Growers, there are over 400 different types of beans in the world. But which is the best? 

Maroon-speckled pinto beans are the most popular beans in the United States.

This makes sense because people love their pintos. For example, Amanda McArthur, a writer for the never-before-heard-of-website, Sweety High, ranked the pinto beans at Chipotle a modest 18th best (out of 19 ingredients.) McArthur clearly doesn’t know what she’s talking about. Pintos are also easy to prepare in a pinch, affordable, and one of the five heart-healthy beans. Other heart-healthy beans include black beans, chickpeas, navy beans, and soybeans.  

According to Everyday Health, black beans are rich in fiber and low in calories. They help keep your immune system healthy and can be prepared in various delicious ways. One way is to simply pour some out of a can onto a plate. Or, if you’re feeling particularly fancy, you can add in bay leaves to amplify the taste, throw in some ground cumin because - according to the Cookie and Kate cooking website - they simply go perfect(!) together, or even sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top to spice it up and add some heat. Also, Amanda McArthur suggests that if you’re at Chipotle and have “got to do beans,” she recommends black beans over pinto. 

Chickpeas are “great for vegetarians and vegans,” and practically bursting with vitamins and minerals, Cleveland Clinic states. They can drastically promote cardiovascular health with their low sodium content and good source of polyunsaturated fats. Also, for those who cannot have gluten, chickpeas are a great option because they are gluten-free and are so full of nutrients. One way to serve is to simply stick them into your favorite sandwich, just smash them in there, and it’ll be a masterpiece. Chickpeas are very commonly incorporated into soup, pasta, and rice dishes. 

Let’s have beans at every meal. 

Many types of beans are eaten all around the world in many types of different tasty dishes. Many people are starting to incorporate them more and more into their daily diets. They are healthy. Join the movement. Consume them.