ADZUKI BEAN

Small, red bean, used primarily for bean paste in Asia.

BABY LIMA BEAN

Flat-shaped, creamy white-colored beans with a smooth, sweet flavor.  Popular as a vegetable side dish or added to soups and casseroles.

BLACK BEAN

Medium black-skinned ovals, earthy, sweet flavor with a hint of mushroom.  Also called turtle bean, Mexican black and Spanish black bean.  Most often used in thick soups or with rice.  The black bean is a basic ingredient of many Mexican, Caribbean and Latin American soups and side dishes.

BLACKEYE BEAN

Medium size, oval shaped, with black dot on creamy skin, Blackeyes have a distinct savory flavor and light smooth texture. Also called black-eyed peas, they can be cooked without pre-soaking because they have thin skins, popular in Southern cuisine. Sometimes used with rice dishes such as Hoppin' John which is traditionally served in the South on New Year's Day to bring luck.

CRANBERRY BEAN

Medium ovals with a creamy background and burgundy highlights. Most often used in Italian bean dishes and soups.

DARK RED KIDNEY BEAN

Large, kidney-shaped bean with a deep reddish-brown color. They have a robust full-bodied flavor and soft texture. Also called Mexican Bean. Dark Red Kidneys are most often used in chili and are also popular in salads and with rice.

GARBANZO BEAN

Medium size, round bean, beige color with a nut-like flavor and firm texture. Also called chickpea. Most often used in soups, salads and Mexican dishes, main ingredient in popular Middle Eastern dishes hummus and falafel.

GREAT NORTHERN BEAN

Medium size, white color and oval shape with a mild flavor and powdery texture. Belongs to the "White Bean" or Haricot bean family. Most often used in soups, stews, and cassoulet.

LARGE LIMA BEAN

Flat-shaped, creamy, white-colored beans with a smooth  flavor, and  sweet taste. Popular as a vegetable side dish or added to soups and casseroles.

LIGHT RED KIDNEY BEAN

Large, kidney-shaped bean with a robust, full-bodied flavor and soft texture. Also called Mexican Bean. Most often used in chili, and are popular in salads and with rice.

NAVY BEAN

Small white ovals with a mild flavor and powdery texture. Also known as pea beans. Most often used in pork and beans, or baked beans, also used in soups and stews, and are great pureed.

PINK BEAN

Small, pale, pink-colored, beans have a rich, meaty flavor with a slightly powdery texture. Related to the kidney bean, turns reddish brown when cooked. Pink beans are often used in chili and are a favorite in Old West recipes.

PINTO BEAN

Medium ovals, mottled beige and brown color with an earthy flavor and powdery texture. Closely related to red kidney beans. When cooked, pintos lose their mottling and turn brown. Most often used in refried beans, and are great for Tex-Mex and Mexican bean dishes.

SMALL RED BEAN

Dark red color with flavor and properties similar to red kidney, only smaller in size. Also called Mexican Red Bean, they hold both shape and firmness when cooked. Most often used in soups, salads, chili and Creole dishes.