| The Red Kidney Bean is recognised by its bright red or | | | | potassium and vitamin K. |
| brown colour. Though they also come in Black and | | | | Commercially Beans are found in Tins or dried in |
| white varieties. They are from the Legume family of | | | | packets at Supermarkets or Health food stores. |
| plants, Fabaceae. The Botanical name for the red | | | | Beans in Tins have softer skins and more suitable for |
| kidney bean is Phaseolus vulgaris, which is also the | | | | salads or quick cooking dishes. Packet beans are |
| name for pinto, navy and black beans. Collectively this | | | | more suited to longer cooking times such as in |
| family of beans is called 'common beans'. The bean | | | | homemade soups and broths. Pre-soaking dried Beans |
| has a resemblance to a Kidney in shape and colour | | | | is usually recommended. |
| hence its common name. It is thought that the parent | | | | All Beans have many uses in cooking. They make an |
| of the common bean originated in Peru. | | | | excellent flavouring and thickening agent in soups and |
| The Red Kidney Bean spread throughout South and | | | | sauces. |
| Central America as a result of Indian traders who | | | | Vegans and Vegetarians use Beans as a Protein |
| brought kidney beans with them from Peru. Red | | | | source in their diets. |
| Kidney Beans are thought to have been introduced | | | | Kidney beans are often mixed with other common |
| into Europe in the 15th century by Spanish explorers. | | | | beans in salads, stir fries, curries and soups. |
| Kidney Beans themselves appear to have begun life in | | | | 'Chilli con carne' is one of the most recognised Bean |
| the West Indies and are a common food in Indian | | | | dishes in America. In Australia beans have increased in |
| dishes and curries. One of the most recognised kidney | | | | popularity over the past few years. |
| bean dishes in America is Hot Chilli. | | | | This article would not be complete without mentioning |
| They are recognised as perhaps the most commonly | | | | the 'F' word usually associated with Beans. Flatulence |
| used legume. | | | | is caused by the fermentation of certain foods in the |
| Red Beans have many health benefits. They are | | | | digestive system. With beans, flatulence is believed to |
| packed with fibre. They are low in fat and have a low | | | | be caused by carbohydrates that are often slow to |
| glycemic index. They are also gluten free. | | | | digest or in some cases do not digest at all. Flatulence |
| They are rich in protein. They are also a high source of | | | | is a natural part of the digestive process, in men, |
| thiamine, phosphorus, iron, copper, magnesium, | | | | women and children of all ages. |