Sit back and enjoy food, topics and trends that start on California farms and ranches. take 5
BEANS The bene fits of
Economical, filling and delicious, the humble bean is also versatile and nutritious. Beans can serve as the main ingredient in a hearty side dish, entrée or even dessert. Hailed for their health properties, they are packed with protein, fiber and antioxidants and help lower LDL cholesterol and control blood sugar. Paired with a grain such as rice, bread or a corn tortilla, they make a complete protein. The soil and climate of California provide ideal conditions for growing high-quality beans. Here are a few grown by farmers in the Golden State. 1 . Kidney bean
When it’s cold outside, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of hot chili—and kidney beans are one of the most-used beans in traditional recipes. Enjoy the chili plain or sprinkled with cheese or put a scoop on a hot dog or baked potato. Large, firm and dense, kidney beans hold up well and give extra texture to soups and saucy dishes. They also absorb spicy flavors well. Always cook the beans thoroughly because undercooked or raw kidney beans can cause stomach upset.
2 . Cranberry bean With a mild, sweet and creamy flavor often compared to chestnuts, this bean is one of the most versatile. It’s perfect for pastas and salads or any dish calling for an understated flavor that blends in rather than competes with other ingredients. They also make an ideal addition to a mixed bean soup. Cranberry beans resemble pinto beans, except they are often splashed or streaked with red or magenta, but often lose their distinct coloring when cooked. Also called Roman beans, they are popular in Italy.
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January/February 2022
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