Black Bean History

Black beans have long been a protein-rich staple food of many Latin cultures. Today, black beans are enjoyed by most cultures around the world. Learn about black beans, and get some cooking tips before delving into the black bean recipes.

Black bean history

Black beans, botanically-known as Phaseolus vulgaris, are native to the Americas. One of over 500 varieties of kidney beans, black beans are also known as turtle beans, caviar criollo, and frijoles negros. These beans date back at least 7,000 years, when they were a staple food in the diets of Central and South Americans.

The beans are about the size of a pea, up to 1/2-inch long, with the slightly less-pronounced boat-shape common to kidney beans. They have a satiny black skin and a white center. When cooked, the beans have a creamy texture with a strong, slightly sweet flavor.

More About Black Beans:

• Black Bean Cooking Tips
• Black Bean Selection and Storage
• Black Bean Popular Recipes and Dishes
• Black Bean Measures, Weights, Substitutions, and Equivalents
• Black Bean History
• Black Beans Recipes
_{Black Beans Photo © 2007 Peggy Trowbridge Filippone, licensed to About.com, Inc.}

Cookbooks

•	More Easy Beans: Quick and Tasty Bean, Pea and Lentil Recipes
•	366 Delicious Ways to Cook Rice, Beans, and Grains
•	Magic Beans: 150 Delicious Recipes Featuring Nature's Low-Fat, Nutrient-Rich, Disease-Fighting Powerhouse
•	The Daily Bean
•	More Cookbooks