Perhaps because they hail from Mexico, pinto beans are especially tasty
cooked with lime.
The medium-sized pinto bean is a hybrid that takes its name from the Spanish word for
“painted.” Medium brown, with dark-brown spatter markings, pintos fade to a
uniform pale beige or pinkish color after cooking. Perhaps because they hail from Mexico, they
are especially tasty cooked with lime, chiles, and even beer.
Varieties
Pinto beans are related to the kidney beans and other members of the Phaseolus
species of beans.
Buying and storing tips
Dried pinto beans should be stored in an airtight glass or ceramic
jars in a cool dry place, where they will keep for up to a year.
Availability
Dried and canned pinto beans are widely available year-round.
Preparation, uses, and tips
Because their texture is very smooth, pintos may be used in virtually
all methods of bean preparation. Purée them for soup bases or use them in casseroles;
refry them for frijoles refritos and use them in burritos. Before cooking, soak pintos for 8
hours, then pressure cook for 18 minutes or simmer on top of the stove for 2 to 2 1/2 hours. 1
cup of dried pintos makes 3 cups of cooked beans. Use pinto beans to make chili, soups, and
stews, or use them in salads or in Mexican dishes. They can also be puréed and used as a
spread or dip.
Nutritional Highlights
Pinto beans, 1 cup (171g) (boiled)
Calories: 234
Protein: 14.0g
Carbohydrate: 43.8g
Total Fat: 0.89g
Fiber: 14.7g
*Excellent source of: Iron (4.5mg), Potassium (800mg), Selenium (12
mcg), and Folate (294mcg)
*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.
Copyright © 2002 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights
reserved. www.healthnotes.com
Learn more about Healthnotes, the company.
Learn more about the authors of
Foodnotes.
The information presented in Foodnotes is for informational
purposes only and was created by a team of U.S. registered dietitians and food experts.
Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using
any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed
medications. Information expires December 2003.
|
