Description

Pinto beans have a beige background strewn with reddish brown splashes of color. They are like little painted canvases; hence their name "pinto," which in Spanish means "painted." When cooked, their colored splotches disappear, and they become a beautiful pink color. It is the most common bean in the United States and northwestern Mexico, and is most often eaten whole in broth or mashed and refried. Either whole or mashed, it is a common filling for burritos.

How to select

Canned pinto beans can be found in many markets. Unlike canned vegetables, which have lost much of their nutritional value, there is little difference in the nutritional value of canned pinto beans and those you cook yourself. Canning lowers vegetables' nutritional value since they are best lightly cooked for a short period of time, while their canning process requires a long cooking time at high temperatures.

On the other hand, beans require a long time to cook whether they are canned or you cook them yourself. However, it is advisable to look for those that do not contain extra salt or additives.

Culinary uses

· Use pinto beans in chili recipes in place of kidney beans.
· Blend together pinto beans with sage, oregano, garlic and black pepper for a delicious spread that can be used as a crudités dip or sandwich filling.
· Layer cooked pinto beans, chopped tomatoes and onions and shredded cheese on a tortilla. Broil in the oven until hot and cheese melts. Top with chopped avocado and cilantro.
· Add pinto beans to vegetable soups.
· Heat pinto beans together with cooked rice. Add cooked chopped vegetables such as carrots, zucchini and tomatoes. Season to taste and enjoy this simple-to-prepare one pot meal.
· Canned pinto beans served with cornbread or corn tortillas are often a staple meal.

How to store

Un opened can of pinto beans may be stored for 4-6 months or till the expiry date mentioned.After opening the can, the pinto beans will keep fresh in the refrigerator for about three days, if placed in a covered container.

Health benefits

· The canned pinto bean is high in starch, protein and dietary fiber and
· It is an excellent source of iron, potassium, selenium, molybdenum, thiamine, vitamin B6, and folic acid.