4 Bean Varieties You May Have Never Tried

If you’ve visited 21st Century Bean before, you already know that beans are a great source of protein and are a staple in many diets. However, bean varieties come in all shapes and sizes, and there are so many to explore that it’s impossible to know them all. Today, we’d like to share four of our favorite gourmet bean varieties that you may be missing out on. Who knows — one of them might just become your new favorite!

Cranberry Beans
Cranberry beans are a type of dry bean with a mild, nutty flavor. Their flesh is creamy and they have a red-brown color with a slight cranberry hue, thus their name. These beans are great for stews and soups, as well as side dishes. We also recommend putting them in salads or using them to add an unexpected flavor to your favorite salsas and dips!

Mayocoba Beans
Dry Mayocoba beans, also known as Peruvian beans, are perhaps best known for their unmistakable yellow color. They possess a slightly sweet flavor, along with a texture that’s best described as creamy and buttery. As a result, these gourmet beans are perfect for making refried chilis, burritos, and other Hispanic dishes.

Navy Beans
You don’t need to be a sailor to enjoy our gourmet Navy beans! These white-colored beans may be small, but don’t let their size fool you — like all of the gourmet beans we sell online, Navy beans are packed with high-quality protein. Not only that, but these little legumes are also rich in ferulic acid, which is thought to have several health benefits.

Richlea Lentils
If you’ve never tried Richlea Lentils, you’re missing out on one of the tastiest and easiest “superfoods” to integrate into your diet. The gourmet lentils are loaded with fiber and boast a neutral flavor that fits perfectly into salads, side dishes, and soups.
Whether you’re looking for a new ingredient to try in your favorite meals or just want to experiment with exciting flavors, these four bean varieties are a great place to start. Check out our recipes for inspiration, then order your gourmet beans from 21st Century Bean today!