Italian Beans

Beans have long been a staple ingredient in many Italian dishes and have been a common ingredient throughout Italian history. The region of Tuscany alone is famous for its production of cannellini or “white kidney beans”. In Italy cannellini beans are sometimes referred to as fagioli. Tuscany also produces other beans such as corona, soranini, schiaccioni and toscanello. Even though beans are produced in many other countries, many cooks prefer the beans from Italy because of the high quality possessed.

The borlotti bean is a common bean used in Italian dishes in the northern part of Italy. This type of bean has one of the highest concentrations of iron out of all the beans. For this reason, it has become a popular substitution for meat in many different Italian and vegan recipes. Borlotti beans, when added to a dish have a creamy consistency that is a great added enhancement in texture.

Fava beans are a staple throughout Italy and Sicily, and are most commonly found in dishes that stem from the southern regions of Italy. Before purchasing these beans, it is important to only purchase beans that have been skinned and split, by doing this it will make preparation much easier. If the beans are purchased whole in the skin, it requires hours of soaking before cooking and can cause a bitter taste to the palate.

Lentils are widely used in many recipes across Italy. Lentils have a nutty taste and are small in size when compared to other types of Italian beans. Some of the most prized lentils come from Sicily, Abruzzo and Umbria. These beans are best when soaked for an hour before cooking, which will greatly reduce the overall cooking time.

Science has conducted many studies on the nutritional value of beans. We now know that beans are high in fiber, protein and iron which are all important to a healthy and balanced diet. People that consume a diet rich in fiber can help reduce the risk of many diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and certain types of cancer.

Incorporating beans into the diet is a wonderful way to reap the health benefits of the food. With this being said, many are now discovering the healthful benefits of a Mediterranean diet that many throughout Italy and Sicily have eaten for hundreds of years. Adding beans to an Italian dish not only adds flavor and texture, but it also has many other benefits as well. No matter which type of bean is used in an Italian recipe, one is sure to discover the hidden richness and flavor that is added to a dish.