Know your Pinto Bean

Know your Pinto Bean - Introduction

• The pinto bean, Phaseolus vulgaris, (Spanish: frijol pinto, literally "painted bean") or mottled bean is named for its mottled skin (compare pinto horse), hence it is a type of mottled bean.

Know your Pinto Ben - Cuisine

• It is the most common bean in the United States and north-western Mexico, and is most often eaten whole in broth or mashed and refried. Either whole or mashed, it is a common filling for burritos.

• The young pods may also be used as green beans.

• In the south-west United States, the pinto bean is an important symbol of regional identity, especially among Mexican Americans.

• Along with the chilli, it is one of the official state vegetables of New Mexico (under the name frijol).

• The prepared beans are commonly known as frijoles.

• This type of bean is also referred to as "Cowboy Beans" in Texas, all along the Mexican border and wherever Mexican cowboys were employed. In areas where Mexican cowboys did not travel on the trails north from Texas, it was probably not known.

• This is the bean most commonly used for refried beans (fresh or canned) and in many dishes at Tex-Mex restaurants.

• Rice and pinto beans served with cornbread or corn tortillas are often a staple meal where there is limited money for meat; the amino acids in this combination make it a complete protein source.

• This variety is often used in chili con carne, although the kidney bean, black bean, and many others may also be used in other locales (see below).

• In the southeastern part of the United States, pinto beans were once a staple of the poor (usually eaten with cornbread, milk, and cabbage), especially during the winter months. Some churches in rural areas still sponsor "pinto bean suppers" for social gatherings and fund raisers.

Know your Pinto Bean - Varieties

• Pinto bean varieties include:

  • Burke

  • Othello

  • Maverick

  • Sierra

Alubia pinta alavesa

Alubia pinta alavesa

• The alubia pinta alavesa, or the "Álava pinto bean", is a red variety of the pinto bean that originated in Añana, a town and municipality located in the province of Álava, in the Basque Country of northern Spain.

• In October, "la Feria de la alubia pinta alavesa" (the fair of the Alubia pinta alavesa) is celebrated in Pobes.

Know your Pinto Bean - Nutrition

• Studies have indicated that pinto beans can help reduce cholesterol levels.