blackbeans-web

Fun fact: Black beans are also called turtle beans, caviar criollo and frijoles negros.

Black beans are a member of the Fabaceae botanical family which also includes chickpeas, soybeans, lentils, peas and peanuts.

Nutrition

  • Black beans can be purchased at grocery stores year-round. They can be bought canned or dried.
  • Canned beans are an easy, fast option for quick meals. Rinse beans prior to use to decrease sodium content.
  • To prepare dry beans, remove any foreign objects such as small stones left from processing. Next rinse the beans in a colander under cold running water and then soak.
  • To soak beans, add one cup of beans to five cups of water. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and cover. Let stand for 4-24 hours, then drain water and rinse beans with cool water.
  • Alternatively, you can soak beans overnight in cold water. Drain and rinse prior to use.
  • Once beans are soaked, add them to fresh water and bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmer. Simmer for 30 minutes to 2 hours until soft, then use in your recipe.
  • Store cooked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Cooked beans can also be frozen for up to 6 months in your freezer.
  • Use beans in your favorite salad, soup or salsa recipe or as a fiber rich addition to your favorite Mexican dish. Puree beans to make a delicious dip or hummus.

How to Purchase, Prepare, and Store

  • Choose broccoli heads with green florets and firm stalks. Avoid broccoli with yellow or browning leaves or florets.

  • Store broccoli unwashed in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.

  • Rinse broccoli prior to preparing. Cut off floret heads. The stem is also edible, just remove the outer skin.

  • To prepare, sauté, steam, roast, or eat raw.

  • Have too much broccoli? Blanch rinsed and cut broccoli florets in salted, boiling water for 1 minute or until bright green. Drain in a colander and dip in cold water. Drain well and put in a plastic freezer bag. Remove air from bag and freeze for up to a year.

Nutrition Facts

1/2 cup black beans, boiled

  • Calories:  113.5
  • Protein:  7.6 g
  • Fat:  0.46 g
  • Carbohydrate: 20.4 g
  • Fiber: 7.5 g
  • Sugars: 0.27 g
  • Calcium:  23.2 mg
  • Magnesium: 60 mg
  • Potassium: 305 mg
  • Vitamin C: 0 mg
  • Folate: 128 µg
  • Vitamin A: 0 IU
  • Vitamin K: 2.8 µg

Source: fdc.nal.usda.gov

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