Posted by Marla
on August 3, 2009, 12:48 pm
71.2.71.71
Did you know - Pinto Beans 
Pinto beans (also called dry bean) are a pulse crop. They
were developed as a cultivated crop by the indigenous peoples
in the Central American and Andean zones. The scientific name
for dry bean is (Phaseolus vulgaris) About 40% of the nearly
2,000,000 acre North American dry bean crop are classified as
"Pinto". The crop is both exported and domestically consumed.
The pinto bean, along with its other cousins, is one of
America's gifts to the world. Beans found in ancient caves in
Mexico date back to 4000 BC. They are just as popular today as
when introduced to Europeans by Columbus because of their
flavor, cost, nutritional value and ease of preparation. Few
foods are as versatile as pinto beans. They can be served as
appetizers, soups, salads, main dishes and breads. Even some
cake, pie and candy recipes use cooked pinto beans.
The pinto (Spanish for "painted") bean has streaks of
reddish-brown on a background of pale pink. The Beans are grown
in the United States Southwest and are common in most Spanish
speaking countries.
However, beans contain several complex carbohydrates that
are not readily digested. To increase digestibility and reduce
intestinal distress, discard the waters used for soaking and
cooking because much of this indigestible carbohydrate dissolves
into the water. Tests show that no important amounts of
essential nutrients are lost when the soaking and cooking waters
are discarded.
Pinto beans are consumed as human food in many countries.
Like other pulse crops, it is high in protein, phosphorus, iron,
vitamin B1, fiber and, low in cholesterol.
source is ArcaMax
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