Pinto Beans

Pinto Beans: Who wants some Phaseolus vulgaris? Pinto beans, navy beans, kidney beans, and several other beans belong to this family, and have a common bean ancestor from Peru. Beans made their way to Europe from the Americas during the 15th century, via Spanish explorers. According to the USDA (2008) the pinto bean is the most popular bean in the United States, accounting for 42% of the bean market, and the leading grower of pinto beans is North Dakota, growing 38% of all pinto beans produced in the U.S. Beans are an excellent source of protein and fiber. In the U.S. there are currently 4000 known varieties of beans.