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Appaloosa Beans

Appaloosa beans absorb flavor well and have a slightly meaty taste.

The appaloosa bean takes its name from the appaloosa horse, because they have similar colored markings. Thin and oval, this small bean has a white background that is covered with patches of purplish-maroon at one end and beige or brown at the other. Appaloosas absorb flavors well and have a slightly more meaty taste than pintos.

Varieties

Appaloosas are related to pinto beans. Sometimes these beans are called Red Appaloosa; however, other bean varieties have also been known to borrow the same title, like the New Mexican Appaloosa, which is actually a different variety of bean.

Buying and storing tips

When buying appaloosas, as with all other dried beans, look for uniform, bright-looking skins. Store the beans in a sealed glass or ceramic container.

Availability

Dried appaloosa beans are available from specialty grocers and well-stocked natural food stores.

Preparation, uses, and tips

Prepare appaloosa beans in the same ways as pinto beans. After a preliminary soaking, they can be either slow-cooked or pressure-cooked. 1 cup of dried appaloosas makes approximately 2 1/2 cups of cooked beans. Since they’re especially tasty in southwestern or Mexican cookery, try them in chili or stews.

Nutritional Highlights

Appaloosa beans, 1/4 cup (44g)
Calories: 80
Protein: 9g
Carbohydrate: 24g
Total Fat: 0.0g
Fiber: 15g
*Good source of: Calcium (170mg), and Iron (1.8mg)

*Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value, based upon United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines. Foods that are a “good source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the USDA Recommended Daily Value. Nutritional information and daily nutritional guidelines may vary in different countries. Please consult the appropriate organization in your country for specific nutritional values and the recommended daily guidelines.

Health benefits and concerns

Health benefits and concerns for legumes
Many health benefits and concerns associated with this food are applicable to other legumes. Read about health benefits and concerns for legumes for a full description.