Beans are a fundamental part of our diet and are highly appreciated gastronomically. Not only are they very rich, but they also provide multiple benefits to our body. However, their use in the kitchen as well as the properties they possess mainly depend on the variety. As you can already imagine, There are many types of beans that vary in color, shape, and size.
In this article, we will talk about the most popular types of beans and discuss which ones are the best. So feel free to continue reading if you want to know the different grains that exist and their characteristics.
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How many types of beans are there?
It’s no secret that the bean family is very large. He has relatives all over the world. It is estimated that there are more than 300 types of beans which can be grouped into white, black, red, pint and cinnamon. In Spain, beans are very popular and are grown almost all over the peninsula. However, there are three areas that are distinguished by the Appellation d’Origine:
- The Bean of Asturias: It has the Granja Asturiana variety.
- The Baneza: Originated from the lion.
- El Barco Beans: They come from Ávila and have different purple and white varieties.
While it is true that they do not have the Designation of Origin, Gernika and Tolos beans, from the Basque Country, do have the quality label. Since there are so many different types of beans, we’re not going to discuss them all. However, We will talk a little about the most popular.
Jewish
Let’s start with the so-called Jewish variety. This bean is broad, planted and coarse-grained. It usually comes in the form of a white bean, but it can also be spotted and even black. It must be said that this variety is distinguished above all by the softness it acquires after cooking. In South America, the bean is known as the Lima or Bajoca bean.
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Bajocas
Of this type of beans, the best known are those of La Granja, Originally from the town called La Granja de San Idelfonso, in Segovia. Those of the town called Barco, in Ávila, also stand out. However, both generally have a fairly low production. There is a variety very similar to the bean, called “Garrofó”. It is usually grown in Valencia and is one of the most characteristic ingredients in paellas.
varnish
Another of the most common types of beans is veneer. The grain of this bean is small and white, with a creamy tone and a black line. Its taste is very characteristic. This variety is native to East Africa and India. For this reason, he is not part of the family Phaseoluslike the others who come from America, if not from the family of the Vine. These beans are the ones that the Romans and Greeks ate in antiquity, which is why it is not surprising that they existed in Spain long before the discovery of the American continent. They are very popular, even today, in the north of Catalonia, especially in the Ampurdán. They call them “fesolet” there.
white kidney
Also the white kidney variety It is one of the most popular and cheapest grains today. As the name suggests, it is white in color and kidney shaped. Its size is rather large and it is neither more nor less than the main ingredient to make the famous Fabada Asturiana. Curiously, it is in Ávila and León that it is most cultivated. However, there is a variety of this type of bean, called “Asturian Farm” or “Faba de Asturias” that is grown in Asturias. It is very similar to the original, but a bit thicker. The places where it is grown are Villaviciosa, Tineo, Luarca and Cangas de Narcea.
verdine
Verdina is another of the most common types of beans. Its grain is elongated, flat and small and light green. Where this variety is most cultivated is on the coast of Asturias, especially in the Llanes region. It is very common to consume verdina with fish and shellfish. The texture of this variety is very smooth and its skin is so thin that it is barely noticeable. But it should be noted that the price of this bean can be higher than that of the famous “Faba Asturiana”.
Other types of beans
We have already discussed some of the most popular types of beans today, but there are many other varieties. Others among the most common are:
- white round
- round purple
- long abode
- Rice
- of the Virgin
- Cinnamon
- shell
- Beans from Guernica and Tolosa
- Beans from Santa Pau
- Ganxet beans
- beans
Which type of bean is best?
Selecting the best bean of all is extremely difficult, if not impossible. This is due to the fact, Depending on the variety, it may have some benefits or others. The answer to this question therefore depends on the objective. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of some of the most common types of beans:
- White beans, black beans and kidney beans: They are very digestive and low in calories. They contain high levels of iron, magnesium, fiber and potassium. They are therefore ideal for people with circulatory problems. They also help prevent rheumatic diseases. Other benefits provided by these types of beans are protection against skin aging and antioxidant properties.
- Purple and pinto beans: These are highly recommended beans for people who have high cholesterol and/or suffer from anemia. In addition, they improve the tone and quality of the skin.
- Green: This bean helps eliminate fluids and control high blood pressure. It should also be noted that it contains a considerable level of vitamins A and C.
Despite the multiple benefits of different types of beans, it is important to note that they can become toxic and even cause gastroenteritis. To avoid it, It is essential to cook them well before eating them.
It must be said that all these types of beans are a delicacy, in addition to being necessary to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. Which one do you like the most?