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Black Bean History

Black beans date back over 7,000 years

By Peggy Trowbridge Filippone, About.com

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Black Beans History

© 2007 Peggy Trowbridge Filippone
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.

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