Navy beans are small white beans that are a part of the phaseolus family of legumes. They are not very large; navy beans are about the size of a green pea. They ar oval in shape.http://www.pccnaturalmarkets.com/health/food-guide/navy-beans/~default Navy beans are sold dry as well as precooked in cans.http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=88
Dried navy beans are stored in an airtight container, in a cool dry place. They will last up to a year.http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=88
Navy bean plants are planted in the spring months during the middle of May to the middle of June.http://www.jeffersoninstitute.org/pubs/drybeans.shtml
Navy beans are a source of folate, tryptophan, manganese, dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, potassium, protein, phosphorus, copper, magnesium, iron, and thiamine (vitamin B1).http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=88 http://nutrican.fshn.uiuc.edu/tables/Navybeans.html Navy beans are low in fat and cholesterol.http://nutrican.fshn.uiuc.edu/tables/Navybeans.html
History And Background
Navy beans originated in Peru. As people migrated, the beans went with them. Spanish explorers traveled with the navy bean in the fifteenth century back over to Europe. Explorers then spread the beans throughout Africa and Asia on their expeditions.http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=88
The largest producers of navy beans are India, China, Indonesia, Brazil and the United States, especially in Michigan.http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=88 http://www.pccnaturalmarkets.com/health/food-guide/navy-beans/~default
Serving Suggestions
Navy beans are found in a variety of recipes around the world. They are found in soups, casseroles, chili, salads, and served with rice and vegetables.
Betty's Southern Living White Bean Soup Recipe
The following video shows how to make white bean soup with canned navy beans. The ingredients are a 16 ounce can of navy beans, a 15 ounce can of great northern beans, a cup of water, ¼ cup of margarine or butter, ¼ cup of onion chopped, a whole carrot, finely chopped, and a 5 ounce can of ham. The canned beans are added with their liquid and water to a large saucepan. Some of the beans are mashed together before cooking on the stove on a low heat. Margarine or butter is then melted in a skillet. Onion and carrot are added to the skillet and sauteed. When finished, the cooked carrot and onion are added to the beans. Canned ham is then added to the soup, with the liquid. The soup cooked for 10 minutes until desired thickness is reached. Soup can be served with corn bread.
References
Fast Facts
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Also known as
White beans
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Ethnic origin
Peru, Central, South America
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Usually served as
Main dish, side dish
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Usually served with
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Cooking method
Boiled, baked, slow cooker
