Also known as: Navy bean, haricot, pearl haricot bean, Boston bean, pea bean
Description: White pea beans have been grown in Canada since the early 1900’s, making them the most popular bean of the bunch! They have a mild flavour and are quite creamy when cooked, making them perfect for puréed dips and thickening stews. This is also the bean that is used in Canadian/American canned baked beans!
Use in: Dips, soup, stew, ragout, chowder, casseroles and baked beans
Grown in: Ontario and Manitoba
Also known as: Black turtle beans or pretos
Description: Without a doubt, you’ve seen these beans - they have likely made their way into your favourite Mexican dishes. Mildly sweet and earthy with a satisfying texture, black beans are super versatile and found in a variety of popular cuisines including Caribbean, Mexican, and South American.
Use in: Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, huevos rancheros, fajitas, nachos, bowls, soup, salsa
Grown in: Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan
Description: If you want to take your dish to the next level dark red kidney beans are the bean for you! Their slightly sweet and mild flavour is the perfect base for spice - from chilli to cajun!
Use in: Soups, casseroles, chili and salads
Grown in: Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan
Description: As the name suggests, these beans a lighter in colour than their counterparts, but just as flavourful and nutritious! Kidney beans are an excellent plant-based source of protein making them a tasty choice for blending with meats. Bean and beef burger anyone?!
Use in: Salads, soup, casseroles, blending with meat, quesadillas, chili, nachos
Grown in: Ontario and Manitoba
Also known as: Cannellini or alubia beans
Description: A staple in Italian cuisine, these large, white kidney-shaped beans have a nutty, earthy flavour and hold their shape when cooked. They make a delicious stand-in for potatoes when mashed or a crowd-pleasing hummus-like dip when whipped.
Use in: Salad, soup, chili, dips, stew and pasta
Grown in: Ontario and Manitoba
Also known as: Romano or speckled sugar
Description: This pinkish, oval-shaped bean gets its name from its gorgeous dark-red speckles. With a plump, soft texture and a chestnut-like flavour, cranberry beans are as versatile as they come. They also have the highest folate content of all the beans!
Use in: Pasta, soup, salad, chili, cassoulet, baked beans, pasta
Grown in: Ontario and Manitoba
Also known as: Light white bean
Description: These beans thrive in cold temperatures, but their slightly nutty flavour can instantly warm up a dish! Their dense texture makes them a toothsome addition to a variety of cuisines and are delicious when paired with vegetables or grilled meats. They are endlessly customizable!
Use in: Soups, salads, stews, ragout, chili, dips, casseroles, baked beans
Grown in: Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba
Also known as: Speckled beans, painted beans, frijol pinto
Description: Pinto beans have been a staple since 3000 BC. You’ll want to try the bean that has stood the test of time! Dry pinto beans have reddish-brown speckles, but turn a solid deep pink colour when cooked. They are plump, they are firm, and they are ready for some fun!
Use in: Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, huevos rancheros, fajitas, nachos, burrito bowls, rice, refried beans, chili con carne
Grown in: Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario
Also known as: Red bean or red mung bean
Description: These small, sweet, nutty flavoured beans have been used for centuries in Asian countries. Delicious in savoury recipes like rice, soups, stews, and curries, in traditional East Asian cuisines adzuki beans are often sweetened before eating. They are boiled with sugar, producing a red bean paste, before being added to sweets as a filling or a topping. Now that’s a sweet idea!
Use in: Its principal use is as a confectionery item
Grown in: Ontario and Manitoba
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