Whole food · Legumes and Legume Products

Photo: Wikipedia
These are whole, uncooked tan-colored beans, likely pinto beans or a similar variety, with a firm, dry texture that requires soaking and cooking. Once prepared, they offer a mild, earthy flavor and a creamy yet substantial bite. Nutritionally, they are a powerhouse, delivering an impressive 26.8 grams of protein per 100g in their dry state.
People love these beans for their incredible versatility—they absorb spices beautifully and form the hearty base of countless stews, chilis, and salads. They are a beloved, affordable staple in many cultures, symbolizing comfort and sustenance.
The primary downside is the presence of oligosaccharides, which can cause gas and bloating. To counteract this, soak the beans for at least 8 hours (or overnight) and discard the soaking water before cooking. Also, introduce them to your diet gradually.
The 0 kcal, 0g carbs listed for the dry bean are a theoretical reference; in reality, dry beans are calorie-dense, but these values likely represent a specific, non-standard preparation or a data error for the raw ingredient.
| Water | 0.00 g |
| Protein | 26.8 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 1.1 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 4.4 g |
| Starch | 36.0 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 178 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 5.8 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 198 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 555 mg |
| Potassium, K | 1620 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 3.5 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 1.1 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 2.2 mg |
| Sulfur, S | 262 mg |
| Nickel, Ni | 166 ug |
| Molybdenum, Mo | 804 ug |
| Cobalt, Co | 43.5 ug |
| Boron, B | 1240 ug |
Why are the calories listed as 0?
This is likely a data anomaly or refers to a specific, non-standard preparation. Dry beans are nutritionally dense; a typical 100g of dry pinto beans contains about 340 kcal and 60g of carbs.
How do I prepare them from dry?
Rinse, sort, and soak in cold water for 8-12 hours. Drain, cover with fresh water, and simmer for 1-2 hours until tender. Add salt only near the end of cooking to prevent tough skins.
Are they a complete protein?
Like most legumes, they are low in the amino acid methionine. Pairing them with grains like rice or corn creates a complete protein profile.