Beans are like little treasures from nature. They help us stay strong and healthy. There are many kinds of beans, and each one is special in its own way. Imagine them as friends in a garden party, each bringing a different dish to share. Let’s meet some of these bean friends and see what makes them unique.
List of Different Types of Beans
Here is the list of 30 different types of Beans and legumes that are edible:
- Kidney bean
- Soybean
- Lima bean
- Black eyed pea
- Red lentils
- Chickpea
- Green pea
- Mixed bean
- Split pea
- Roman bean
- Red bean
- Pink pea
- Split mung
- Mung bean
- Black bean
- Pinto bean
- Navy bean
- Cannellini bean
- Great Northern bean
- Adzuki bean
- Fava bean
- Black turtle bean
- Anasazi bean
- Borlotti bean
- Flageolet bean
- Cranberry bean
- Marama bean
- Scarlet runner bean
- Bambara bean
- Moth bean
- Tepary bean
Different Types of Beans & Legumes
1. Kidney Bean
Kidney beans are shaped like little kidneys and have a deep red color. They are often used in soups and chili because they hold their shape well and have a nice, soft texture.
2. Soybean
Soybeans are small, round, and light yellow. They’re power-packed with protein and are used to make many products, like tofu and soy milk, which are great for people who don’t eat meat.
3. Lima Bean
Lima beans are green and a bit flat. They have a buttery flavor and a creamy texture, making them a favorite side dish in many meals.
4. Black Eyed Pea
Black eyed peas are small, beige beans with a little black spot that looks like an eye. They’re known for bringing good luck and are often eaten in a dish called Hoppin’ John.
5. Red Lentils
Red lentils are tiny, split beans with a reddish-orange color. They cook quickly and turn soft, perfect for making hearty soups and stews.
6. Chickpea
Chickpeas, also called garbanzo beans, are round and beige. They’re the main ingredient in hummus and are loved for their nutty taste and grainy texture.
7. Green Pea
Green peas are small, round, and bright green. They’re sweet and crunchy when fresh and are a favorite in salads and as a side dish.
8. Mixed Bean
Mixed beans are a fun mix of different types and colors of beans. They’re perfect for when you can’t decide on just one kind of bean and want a bit of everything.
9. Split Pea
Split peas are dried peas that are split in half, making them cook faster. They’re often used in a thick, comforting soup known as split pea soup.
10. Roman Bean
Roman beans, also known as cranberry beans, have a creamy texture with a slightly nutty flavor. They are great in Italian dishes and salads.
11. Red Bean
Red beans are small, red, and have a smooth taste. They’re often used in dishes like red beans and rice, a classic comfort food.
12. Pink Pea
Pink peas are rare and unique, with a soft pink hue. They add a pop of color and a mild flavor to any dish they’re added to.
13. Split Mung
Split mung beans are green beans split in half. They have a slightly sweet flavor and are often used in Asian cooking, especially in soups and desserts.
14. Mung Bean
Mung beans are small, green, and have a mild taste. They’re commonly used in Asian dishes, both sweet and savory.
15. Black Bean
Black beans are small, shiny, and black. They’re popular in Latin American cuisine and are known for their rich, slightly sweet flavor.
16. Pinto Bean
Pinto beans are beige with reddish-brown speckles. When cooked, they turn a solid pinkish-brown and are often used in Mexican dishes.
17. Navy Bean
Navy beans are small, white, and mild in flavor. They’re often used in baked beans and soups because they become creamy when cooked.
18. Cannellini Bean
Cannellini beans are large, white, and have a nutty, earthy flavor. They’re commonly used in Italian dishes like minestrone soup.
19. Great Northern Bean
Great Northern beans are medium-sized, white, and have a mild flavor. They’re versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups to stews.
20. Adzuki Bean
Adzuki beans are small, reddish-brown, and sweet. They’re often used in Asian desserts, like red bean paste for sweets and buns.
21. Fava Bean
Fava beans are large, green, and have a buttery texture. They need to be peeled before eating and are often used in Mediterranean cooking.
22. Black Turtle Bean
Black turtle beans are small, black, and have a dense, meaty texture. They’re a staple in Latin American and Caribbean cooking.
23. Anasazi Bean
Anasazi beans are pretty with their burgundy and cream colors. People have enjoyed them for a long time, even before supermarkets! They taste great in soups and stews.
24. Borlotti Bean
Borlotti beans are like little pieces of art, with their red and white skins. When cooked, they become creamy and add a special flavor to Italian dishes like pasta and salads.
25. Flageolet Bean
Flageolet beans are small, light green, and have a gentle taste. They are often used in French cooking to make dishes feel a bit fancy and very delicious.
26. Cranberry Bean
Cranberry beans have a lovely pinkish-red color that makes them stand out. They are sweet and creamy, perfect for making soups and salads a bit more exciting.
27. Marama Bean
Marama beans come from Africa and are quite special. They grow underground and are packed with protein, making them a super bean for strength.
28. Scarlet Runner Bean
Scarlet runner beans are not just tasty; they also have beautiful red flowers. These beans are big and have a nice flavor that goes well in many dishes.
29. Bambara Bean
Bambara beans are hard workers, growing well even in tough places. They are round and have a nutty taste, making them a good snack or addition to meals.
30. Moth Bean
Moth beans are tiny but mighty. They can survive in very hot weather and are used in Indian cooking to make delicious, spicy dishes.
31. Tepary Bean
Tepary beans are from the desert and are very good at not needing much water. They come in many colors and are great for making dishes like chili healthier and tastier.
