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

What are navy beans?

When you hear the term “navy beans” you might imagine a dark-blue-colored food. However, navy beans aren’t navy in color at all! They’re actually small, pea-sized white beans that are closely related to other types of white beans, like cannelloni and great northern beans. 

Due to their size and shape, white navy beans are also often called pea beans. Other common names include Boson beans, Yankee beans, and haricot beans. They have a fairly mild taste and a dense texture. When they’re cooked, they get creamy, so they’re often pureed and added to soups, stews, and dips to thicken them. There are also many great navy beans Instapot recipes to experiment with. 

Where did navy beans originate from?

Navy beans originated in Peru several thousand years ago. However, they got their name thanks to their use with the U.S. Navy in the early 1900s. Since dried navy beans have a super-long shelf life, are very low-cost, and are packed with nutrition, they became a standard ration for U.S. sailors on Navy warships. 

Navy beans are also the star of Senate Bean Soup, which has been served in the restaurant of the U.S. Senate in Washington, D.C. since 1903! 

How are navy beans grown?

Navy beans are bush beans, meaning that the plants they grow on do not need any support to hold them upright. The plants grow up to 2ft high and typically take 85 to 100 days from the time they’re planted until they’re ready to harvest. The bean pods can grow to be about 12in long and are harvested after they dry out and the leaves have fallen off the plant. Once they’re harvested, the beans are removed from the outer pod. 

When are navy beans in season?

Since navy beans are sold either dried or preserved in a can or jar, there is no reason to worry about your beans being “in season.” You can find them in most grocery stores all year long, and there is also little to no seasonal price fluctuation. 

What should I look for when buying navy beans?

When buying navy beans, you’ll want to start by deciding what form you want. Many people choose dried beans because they are extremely inexpensive and have a very long shelf life. The drawback is that you’ll have to pick through the beans to remove any rocks or pieces of stalk, rinse them, then soak them overnight or simmer for several hours before they’re ready to eat. 

You can also purchase navy beans in a can or jar. These are a bit more expensive but are ready to eat. All you need to do is open the can or jar, rinse the beans, and enjoy. While this is a more expensive option, many people find that the convenience is well worth the extra cost. 

Choosing dried navy beans

When choosing dried white beans, you’ll want to pay attention to the color and texture. They should have a cream color and smooth skin. Don’t purchase dried navy beans that are discolored, as they may have gone bad. The beans should look plump and shouldn’t have holes or wrinkles on the surface. 

Choosing canned or jarred navy beans

Since you can’t see the product inside when choosing jarred or canned navy beans, you’ll want to take a close look at the container. Make sure the cans aren’t rusted or badly dented and that jars aren’t cracked. If the jar has a tamper-proof top, make sure it hasn’t been popped open. You may also want to check the “best by” date. While beans have a long shelf life, if the date is coming up, you may want to choose a different can or jar. 

Thinking about ordering a grocery delivery? You can easily shop for navy beans via Instacart. After adding the product to your cart, simply use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop for navy beans on Instacart.

How to store navy beans

It’s easy to store navy beans. If they’re dried, just put the whole bag in the pantry for up to 2 years. If the bag has been opened, transfer the remaining beans to an airtight container and put them back in the pantry. Even after 2 years have passed, the beans likely won’t be spoiled. However, after that time, the quality can start to deteriorate.

You can also store canned or jarred navy beans in any cool, dark place (like your pantry) for two to three years. Again, while they probably won’t spoil, after this time they might not taste as good. It’s a good idea to pay attention to the “best by” date and make sure to rotate your cans on a first-in, first-out basis. 

How to tell if your navy beans are bad

The best way to tell if navy beans have gone bad is to take a close look at them. If you notice that they’ve grown mold or there are insects in the container, throw them away. Navy beans that have spoiled may also be discolored and sometimes take on a strange smell. In some cases, the beans will look and smell okay but will have an “off” taste. If in doubt, it’s usually best not to take chances and discard the beans instead. 

What can you substitute for navy beans? 

When making a recipe that calls for navy beans, you can substitute any other type of white bean instead. Some of the most popular options include great northern beans, cannellini beans, or pinto beans since they all have a similar taste and texture. 

Add navy beans to your shopping list today! 

Are you interested in adding some healthy and tasty navy beans to your weekly meal plan? Instacart makes it easy! Just head over to Instacart.com and add them to your shopping list. A professional shopper will take care of everything for you and either prepare your order for pickup or drop it off to you. Try it out today! 

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