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White Beans

White beans, also known as navy beans or pea beans, are small, oval-shaped legumes with a mild, slightly nutty flavor and creamy texture. These beans are both versatile and nutritious, offering a variety of health benefits such as high dietary fiber, protein, and important minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium. Ideal for home cooks and consumers, white beans can be easily incorporated into various dishes, including soups, stews, salads, and more. Additionally, they serve as a popular vegetarian and vegan protein source when combined with different grains or vegetables, making them a staple in plant-based diets. Canned white beans typically contain white beans and water. They can also contain salt and other ingredients like firming agents. The beans are carefully sorted, cleaned, and cooked to perfection before being sealed in a can to lock in their freshness. Packed in airtight cans, the prepared white beans have a long shelf life, ensuring you always have a convenient source of protein and fiber on hand. The easy-open cans make meal preparation a breeze, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
#20
IN BEANS & LEGUMES
333
CAL / 100G
$0.08
AVG / OZ
white beans
71%
CARBS
1%
FAT
28%
PROTEIN
White Beans FAQ
Cooking with white beans is an oftentimes underestimated practice, yet it's one avenue of cooking that invites immense potential for both flavor and nutritive value. A common mistake with white beans is not soaking them prior to cooking, which can lead to uneven cooking and a less pleasant texture. Opt to soak dried white beans overnight before cooking to ensure their creamy texture. To maximize the flavor, consider simmering the beans with ingredients such as garlic, onions, or herbs. Also, remember to avoid adding acidic ingredients like tomatoes or lemon juice until the beans are fully cooked, as they can prevent beans from softening. While canned white beans are a convenient option, cooking from dry gives you the benefit of a fully customizable flavor profile and a significantly cheaper price per serving. One less known tip is that the cooking water of white beans can be used as a vegan egg substitute in baking, it's known as 'aquafaba'.
Do white beans need to be soaked before cooking?
Can white beans be cooked in a slow cooker?
How do I make my white beans more flavorful?
Why aren't my white beans getting soft?
What is the vegan egg substitute made from white beans called?
Are white beans a good source of protein?
What dishes can I use white beans in?
Is it better to use canned or dry white beans?
How can I incorporate more white beans into my diet?
What are the health benefits of white beans?
Expiration & Storage Tips
When does white beans expire?
Unopened canned white beans typically last for 2-5 years past their printed expiry date when stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, they should be eaten within 3 to 4 days if stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Dried white beans can last for up to 2-3 years in an airtight container, but for the best quality, aim to use them within a year. If you've cooked the beans yourself, they should be consumed within 3-4 days if refrigerated, and can be frozen for up to 6 months without any significant change in quality.
How do you tell if white beans is bad?
If the canned white beans have an off smell, discard them immediately. Also, if there are signs of mould or noticeable texture changes, such as sliminess, it indicates that they have gone off. For the dried white beans, if they've become hard, shrivelled or discolored, or they're infested with insects or mold, it's time to throw them away. Cooked beans that smell off, or have gone slimy or develop mould, should also be discarded.
Tips for storing white beans to extend shelf life
• Store canned white beans in a cool, dark place. Make sure it's not exposed to any temperature extremes. • Once opened, shift the canned beans to a sealed glass or plastic container before refrigerating. • Store dry beans in airtight containers in a cool, dry, and dark place. • Cooked beans can be stored in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. • For long-term storage, cooked beans can be portioned into freezer-safe containers or bags and frozen. • When freezing, make sure to leave some headspace in the container as beans will expand. • To defrost, move frozen beans to the refrigerator and allow them to thaw slowly to preserve their quality. Or, you can defrost them directly in a soup or stew.
EXPIRES WITHIN
19 - 29
MONTHS
Health Info
Macros
107g
CARBS
1g
FAT
41g
PROTEIN
Allowed on these diets
LOW FAT
HIGH CALCIUM
VEGETARIAN
MEDITERRANEAN
LOW CARB
VEGAN
LACTOSE FREE
GLUTEN FREE
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