Kidney Beans – All You Need to Know | Instacart’s Guide to Groceries

What are kidney beans?

The kidney bean is named for both its shape and color, resembling that of a kidney. This firm-textured bean has a slightly sweet flavor. Kidney beans are mostly used in chili con carne and red beans and rice in America and rajma masala curry in India.

The 2 most popular varieties of kidney beans are red and white. Red kidney beans are the variety most commonly found in stores, whether canned or dried. Most people don’t know that white kidney beans are even kidney beans, since they are sold under the name cannellini beans. There are even speckled, black, and purple kidney bean varieties.

Kidney beans can be poisonous if not boiled for at least 10 minutes due to their high amounts of phytohemagglutinin. The beans are actually more toxic if they are cooked at a temperature lower than boiling. Ingesting large amounts of this toxin can lead to an upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea. Canned beans are pre-cooked, making them safe to directly consume.

Where did kidney beans originate from?

The ancestry of kidney beans can be traced back to South or Central America, with Peru being the most likely origin country. They are part of the common bean family which was cultivated nearly 8,000 years ago by the native South Americans. They were eventually cultivated in North America in the 1700s when Spanish settlers arrived in Louisiana with them.

The Spanish and Portuguese traders then brought kidney beans to Europe, and they soon made their way to India, which now produces the most of them in the world.

A few vegetarian tribes native to South America were some of the primary growers of this bean. The tribes even used a paste made from kidney beans to treat kidney and bladder ailments.

How are kidney beans grown?

Kidney beans are relatively easy to grow. They are sowed directly into the soil after the last frost in the spring. The beans prefer their growing season temperatures to be between 65-80°F for the best production. They also need full sun and well-draining soil. The beans are susceptible to disease if they are constantly damp. The beans are ready to harvest between 100-140 days depending on the type and weather. 

When it is time to harvest the beans, pull the plant from the ground and hang it upside down to dry. Once the beans are completely dry, place them in storage containers. 

There are 2 main styles of kidney bean plants: bush and vine. Vine plants need a trellis to grow up, while bush beans can be free-standing.

When are kidney beans in season?

Kidney beans are harvested around September to October depending on the growing season. It then takes a few weeks for them to completely dry. Usually around mid-October is the best time to buy the freshest kidney beans at your local stores. 

What is the nutritional value of kidney beans?

Kidney beans are high in protein, but also contain great amounts of fiber. This makes them a great meat substitute for vegetarians. One 3.5oz serving of boiled kidney beans contains the following:

• 127 calories
• 22.8g of carbohydrates
• 8.7g of protein
• 6.4g of fiber
• 0.5g of fat
• 0.3g of sugar

Kidney beans are also rich in iron, copper, manganese, potassium, folate, vitamin K1, and molybdenum.

What should I look for when buying kidney beans?

When you are buying dried kidney beans, check to see if the beans are discolored, which is a sign of old beans. Avoid beans that are split open, cracked, or chipped, as they are low quality. Look for the packaging date on dried beans and buy the freshest possible ones. 

If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for kidney beans via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop for kidney beans.

How to store kidney beans

The best way to store dried kidney beans is in an air-tight container in a cool, dark place. While they will last for years, their flavor starts to degrade around a year after they are dried. 

Canned kidney beans remain at their peak quality for 3 to 5 years after their canned date. They are still safe to eat after that as long as the can isn’t dented or bulging. 

Kidney beans can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week after they were cooked. They can also be frozen after cooking for up to 6 months. Make sure they are in an air-tight container or freezer-safe zip-top bag when freezing them.

How to tell if kidney beans are bad

Check your dried kidney beans for any signs of cracking or discoloration. These are the main signs they are past their prime. If the beans have any type of mold growth or an odor, throw them in the trash. If your beans are free of any of these signs, they will last for years, but their taste may degrade.

What can I substitute for kidney beans?

The closest substitute in flavor and texture to a kidney bean is the red bean. If you can’t find either of those, your other options are pinto beans, borlotti beans, pinquito beans, black beans, white beans, and Anasazi beans.

How to find kidney beans

Kidney beans are eaten all over the world and can be found in any grocery store in either their canned or dried forms. If you want to use kidney beans in your next meal, order some via Instacart. You can have your beans today if you choose same-day delivery at checkout, or schedule your delivery for a future day.

Grab it now on Instacart:

Red Kidney Beans (1 each)

Cedar Garden White Kidney Beans (32 oz)

Centrella Kidney Beans, Light Red (16 oz)

Allens Red Frijoles Rojos Kidney Beans (111 oz)

Organic Red Kidney Beans (per lb)

Small Red Beans (per lb)

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