Canned Legumes
All about Legumes
Legumes are not only high in protein, but
also in fat (unsaturated fat ) and carbohydrates. They are rich sources of
potassium, calcium, iron, and several B-vitamins. Sprouted legumes are an excellent
source of vitamin C and enzymes. They have
been shown to lower cholesterol, fight certain types of cancer, & normalize blood
sugar.
Nutrition Notes
Beans are packed with phytochemicals and protease inhibitors that are being studied as
anti-cancer agents. Although a bean's protein is considered incomplete because it is low
in the amino acid methionine, your body will transform it into a high quality, complete
protein if you eat grains, seeds, dairy or meat at some point during the same
day. Beans are one of the best sources of soluble fiber, which has been shown
to lower serum cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar. Insoluble fiber is also
considerable in beans. Beans contain no cholesterol, and are low in
fat.*
* (Soybeans are the bean nutrition exception-see soybean
entry.) Rules of Thumb
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How to cook legumes
1. Rinse in cold water. Remove pebbles and floaters.
2. Beans should be soaked. This is the vital step in bean
digestibility (exceptions include short-cook beans:
lentils, split peas, mung beans and split garbanzos.) Add
water: about 3 inches above beans, or 4-5 cups water per
cup beans. Note: in warm weather, soak beans in the
fridge to avoid fermentation.
a. short soak/boil method
Boil beans in water for 3 minutes in a heavy-bottomed
pot.
Cover and set aside for 2 to 4 hours. (Soaking longer
doesn't help or hurt.)
Drain and discard water. Rinse beans. Proceed with
cooking.
This method reduces hard-to-digest complex sugars by 80%.
b. long soak method
Soak beans for 8 hours or overnight.
Drain and discard water. Rinse beans. Proceed with
cooking.
This method is better than no soaking at all. However, it does
not remove the complex sugars as well as the short soak/boil
method above. |
Dried Legumes |
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Organic
Adzuki Beans
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Adzuki are easier to digest than most beans
due to a very low fat content. Slightly sweet flavor and the cooking water can be drank as
a tea. Great in Southwestern cuisine, with corn tortillas. Or add
squash cubes and tamari in the last half hour of cooking. Herbal combinations
include coriander, cumin and ginger. Serve with rice or millet. a.k.a. aduki or
azuki. Health Benefits: tone the heart and
spleen, promote the flow of fluids and urination, heal swelling as in edema, stop vomiting
and diarrhea. Adzuki beans specialize in removing water accumulated in the lower
region of the body. Adzuki bean sprouts are good for blood in stools, bleeding
during pregnancy.
Nutrition facts: 1/2 cup cooked; 110 Cal; 8 g
Protein; 0 g Fat; 20 g Carb.; 0 mg Sodium; 7 g F
Cooking methods: Simmer, ratio 1 : 3 ~ 11/2 hours.
Pressure Cook, ratio 1 : 2 1/2 ~ 3-5 minutes +10. No soaking necessary. Simmer 1 cup
of beans in 3 cups water. |
wt: 500
gms |
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Organic
Black-eyed Peas
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Also called "cowpea" or "China
bean"; they originally came from Africa, where they grow in the wild. In the
United States, black-eyed peas are associated with Southern cuisine. Quick-cooking, and a
good natural source of selenium. Easily digested. They can also be eaten fresh in
the pod. Health benefits: strengthen
the spleen, remove water and toxins from the body, clear excessive heat in the body, stop
bleed and treat diabetes.
Nutrition facts: 1/2 cup cooked 110 Cal 7 g Protein
0 g Fat 18 g Carb. 0 mg Sodium 6 g Fiber
Cooking methods: Simmer, ratio 1 : 4 11/4
hour. Pressure Cook, 1 : 13/4 ~ 2-3 minutes + 10. Soak.
|
wt:
500gms |
|
Organic
Fava Beans
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Also known as horse or broad
bean. This hearty, ancient legume grows readily on most continents, though it is not
well known in North American. They are huge, substantial beans with tough outer
skin. Peel off skins after soaking. They have creamy texture; nutty, sweet earthy flavor
often use in soups, marinated in salads or puréed into paté with rosemary, olive
oil, garlic, lemon and fresh herbs. Try with blanched cauliflower pieces, vinegar,
olive oil, chopped red onion, olive oil and
balsamic vinegar. Fava bean juice is commonly used to help cure
diarrhea. Health benefits: diuretic
effect, strengthens the spleen-pancreas, lower blood pressure and cure for
hypertension. Fava bean sprouts are good for promoting digestion.
Nutrition facts: 1/2 cup cooked 93 Cal 7.5 g Protein
.3 g Fat 16.7 g Carb. 5 mg Sodium 4.3 g Fiber
Cooking methods: Simmer 1: 4 ~3 hours or pressure cook 1:2
~ 8-14 minutes + 10. Soak. Simmer 1 cup beans in 4 cups water. |
wt: 500
gms |
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Organic
Garbanzo Beans
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Also known as Chick-pea and shaped somewhat
like a heart). It contains more iron than other legumes and is also a good
source of unsaturated fats. There are many varieties, varying in size and
color (red, white, black and brown). Use in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and East
Indian Cooking. Purée into hummus with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, sea salt and olive
oil. Good in minestrone. Higher in fat (good fat) than most. Others herbal
combinations include dill, basil and mint. Health benefits: sweet flavour, beneficial to pancreas,
stomach and heart.
Nutrition facts: 1/2 cup cooked 130 Cal 7 g Protein
2 g Fat 22 g Carb. 5 mg Sodium 5 g Fiber
Cooking methods: Simmer 1: 4 ~3 hours or pressure cook 1:3
~ 9-14 minutes + 10. Soak. Add 1 cup grain to 4 cups boiling
water. Cover, reduce heat and simmer. |
wt:
500gms |
|
Organic
Navy Beans
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Can be eaten fresh. Good in soup
with kale, olive oil, garlic and parmesan. Marinade with red wine vinegar and olive
oil. Mix with chopped onion, peas and olives for summer salads. Boston Baked Beans:
combine 3 cups cooked beans with 1 chopped onion, 1 Tbs.. oil, 1/2 cup molasses, 4
Tbs.. shoyu, and 1 Tbs.. mustard. Bake at 325° for 45 minutes. Health benefits: beneficial to the lungs and promotes beautiful
skin.
Nutrition facts: 1/2 cup cooked 130 Cal 8 g Protein .4 g
Fat 24 g Carb. <1 mg Sodium 8 g Fiber
Cooking methods: Simmer, ratio 1 : 4 ~ 21/2
hours. Pressure Cook, 1 : 2 ~ 3-4 minutes + 10 minutes. Soak.
Simmer 1 cup beans in 4 cups water. |
wt:
500gms |
|
Organic
Dark Red Kidney Beans
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Kidney beans are part of a large family of
legumes including pinto, green wax, bolita, mung, and great northern varieties. They
grow best in warm climates between the temperature of 20 to 25 degrees. Can also be
grown in all seasons, which is why the Chinese call them "four season
beans." Retains shape when cooked. Perfect in marinated bean
salads: cook beans with cinnamon and coriander seeds. Make a pesto of walnuts, fresh
cilantro, fresh garlic & 1/4 c. bean cooking liquid. Toss with just-cooked warm beans,
a splash of wine vinegar and serve over greens. Other herbal combinations include sage,
thyme, oregano, and fennel or cumin. Health
benefits: diuretic, used in treating edema and swelling.
Nutrition facts: 1/2 cup cooked 110 Cal 8 g Protein
0 g Fat 20 g Carb. 0 mg Sodium 6 g Fiber
Cooking methods: Simmer 1: 4 ~11/2 hours or pressure cook
1:2 ~ 5-8 minutes + 10. Soak. Simmer 1 cup beans in 4 cups water. Cover,
reduce heat and simmer. |
wt:
500gms |
|
Organic
Red Lentils
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Lentils cook more quickly than other
beans. One of the first cultivated crops, lentils are grown and eaten all over the
planet. India produces more than fifty varieties of different colours and sizes,
cooked into their traditional "dahl." Red lentils cook most
quickly, and lose shape: use in soup, and paté. Herbal combinations include
coriander, cumin, ginger, sage, thyme, oregano, dill, basil, mint and garlic. Health benefits: diuretic, beneficial to the heart and circulation,
stimulates the adrenal system, increases the vitality of the kidney.
Nutrition facts: 1/2 cup cooked 120 Cal 9 g Protein 0 g
Fat 22 g Carb. 15 mg Sodium 6 g Fiber
Cooking methods: Simmer 1: 2 ~ 20-45 minutes or pressure
cook unsoaked, 1:2 ~ 4-12 minutes. Add 1 cup grain to 2 cups boiling water.
Cover, reduce heat and simmer. |
wt:
500gms |
|
Organic
Green Lentils
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Green lentil hold their shape well: use
in salads and lentil loafs. Dahl lentils have had their hulls or skins removed and cook
very quickly. Herbal combinations include coriander, cumin, ginger, sage, thyme
oregano, dill, basil, mint and garlic. Health
benefits: diuretic, beneficial to the heart and circulation, stimulates the adrenal
system, increases the vitality of the kidney.
Nutrition facts: 1/2 cup cooked 110 Cal 9 g Protein
0 g Fat 20 g Carb. 0 mg Sodium 8 g Fiber
Cooking methods: Simmer 1: 2 ~ 20 - 45 minutes or pressure
cook unsoaked, 1:2 ~ 4 - 12 minutes. Add 1 cup grain to 2 cups boiling water.
Cover, reduce heat and simmer. |
wt:
500gms |
|
Organic
Lima Baby Beans
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Also known as the "butter" or
"sieva" bean, it is a relatively new member of the kidney bean family.
Thriving in warm climates, limas are a favourite of South America. They
are starchier and less fatty than most other beans. Great for hearty soups and
stews with vegetables. Caution: loose, large skins can clog pressure
cookers. Delicious cooked with aromatic
herbs: 1 Tb. chervil, 1/2 Tb. fresh rosemary, 1/2 tsp. sage, onion 1 Tb. canola.
Finish with salt and pepper, balsamic vinegar, chopped parsley and tomato. Or
combine with fresh corn and green beans for succotash. Health benefits: beneficial to the liver and lungs, beautifies the
skin and neutralizes acidic conditions which often arise from excessive meat and
refined-food consumption.
Nutrition facts: 1/2 cup cooked 108 Cal 7 g Protein .4 g
Fat 20 g Carb. 1 mg Sodium 7g Fiber
Cooking methods: Simmer, ratio 1 : 4 ~11/2 hours/Large
& 1 hour/baby. Pressure Cook, 1 : 2 ~ 1-3 minutes +10. Soak.
Simmer 1 cup beans in 4 cups water. Cover, reduce heat and simmer. |
wt:
500gms |
|
Organic
Mung Beans
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A member of the kidney bean family and
originated from India, mung beans have become a traditional part of Chinese cuisine.
One of the most important beans therapeutically, they are particularly useful because of
their capacity to cleanse the heart and vascular system and reduce toxicity.
Add herbs such as coriander, cumin, ginger when cooking mung beans. Health benefits:detoxifies the body, beneficial to the liver and
gall bladder, diuretic and reduces swelling.
Nutrition facts: 1/2 cup cooked 106 Cal 8 g Protein .4 g
Fat 20 g Carb. 0 mg Sodium 6 g Fiber
Cooking methods: Simmer 1: 3-4 ~1 hr or pressure cook 1:3
~ 20 minutes. Add 1 cup grain to 3-4 cups boiling water. Cover, reduce heat
and simmer. |
wt:
500gms |
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Organic
Whole Green Peas
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Dried garden peas. Called soup peas in the
U.S., mushy peas in Great Britain. Peas may be boiled, fried or ground into powder for
consumption. They are among the best foods on earth. Use in soups and stews.
Herbal combinations include dill and basil. Party/sandwich dip idea: combine 2
cups cooked peas, 1/2 cup tahini, 1 Tbs.. olive oil, 1/3 cup lemon juice, 2 crushed cloves
of garlic, 1/2 tsp. sea salt, 11/2 tsp. dried mint, and 2-4 Tbs.. water in a food
processor. Health benefits: tonify the
spleen-pancreas and stomach, harmonize digestion, diuretic and mildly laxative. Also
used for treatment of spasms, diabetes, edema, constipation, and skin eruption such
as carbuncles and boils
Nutrition facts: 1/2 cup cooked 70 Cal 4 g Protein 4 g
Fat
12 g Carb. 1 mg Sodium 2 g Fiber
Cooking methods: Simmer , ratio 1 : 3 ~ 11/2 hours.
Pressure Cook 1 : 2 ~ 4-6 minutes + 10. Soak. Simmer 1 cup peas in 3 cups
water. |
wt:
500gms |
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Organic
Split Green Peas
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Creamy texture makes great soup or sauce over
grains. A 1 hour pre-soak helps them retain their shape. For a less-smokey flavor in
soups, add 1 dried chipotle pepper (stemmed, seeded, & snipped to bits), cumin
seeds, garlic and onion while cooking. For Indian style soup, cook with cumin,
coriander, turmeric, and mustard seeds fried in oil, and garnish with yogurt and
fresh mint. Dill and basil can be used in cooking peas. Health benefits: tonify the spleen-pancreas and stomach, harmonize
digestion, diuretic and mildly laxative. Also used for treatment of spasms,
diabetes, edema, constipation, and skin eruption such as carbuncles and boils.
Nutrition facts: 1/2 cup cooked 120 Cal 8 g Protein 0 g
Fat 21 g Carb. 0 mg Sodium 8 g Fiber
Cooking methods: Simmer, ratio 1 : 2 ~ 45
minutes. Pressure Cook Unsoaked 1 : 2 ~ 10 minutes. No soaking necessary.
Simmer 1 cup peas in 2 cups water. |
wt:
500gms |
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Organic
Split Yellow Peas
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Yellow are milder than green. Yellow
split peas make a nice soup with ginger and carrots. Herbal combinations are similar
to those use in cooking split green peas. Health
benefits: tonify the spleen-pancreas and stomach, harmonize digestion, diuretic and mildly
laxative. Also used for treatment of spasms, diabetes, edema, constipation,
and skin eruption such as carbuncles and boils
Nutrition facts: 1/2 cup cooked 120 Cal 8 g Protein 0 g
Fat 21 g Carb. 0 mg Sodium 8 g Fiber
Cooking methods: Simmer, ratio 1 : 2 ~ 45
minutes. Pressure Cook. Unsoaked 1 : 2 ~ 10 minutes. No soaking
necessary. Simmer 1 cup peas in 2 cups water. |
wt:
500gms |
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Organic
Seven Colour Beans 
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A variety of beans comprises red
and green lentils, split yellow and green peas, baby lima beans, black turtle beans
and red adzuki beans. Cooking methods: simmer
ratio 1 : 4 ~ 2 hours. Pressure Cook 1 : 3 ~ 1-3 minutes + 10.
Soak. Simmer 1 cup beans in 4 cups water. |
wt:
500gms |
|
Organic
Pinto Beans
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The typical choice for Southwestern dishes.
Try cooking with epazote (spice), cumin, thyme, sage, fennel, oregano, garlic and fresh
green chilis, and when beans are soft, season with lime and beer. The choice legume for
refried beans: mash cooked beans in a fry pan with olive oil, crushed garlic, black
pepper, salt, diced green chile and top with grated jack cheese. Nutrition facts: 1/2 cup cooked 120 Cal 8 g Protein 0 g Fat
21 g Carb. 0 mg Sodium 8 g Fiber
Cooking methods: simmer ratio 1 : 4 ~ 2
hours. Pressure Cook 1 : 3 ~ 1-3 minutes + 10. Soak. Simmer 1 cup
beans in 4 cups water. |
wt:
500gms |
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Organic
Soybeans (Beige)
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Sweet, nutty flavor, exceptional health
benefits. Use with stir-fried vegetables, soups, salads & stews. The
only legume containing 9 essential amino acids, a complete protein. Has high levels
of Omega-3 fatty acids, noted for decreasing the risk of stroke and
heart attacks. The one bean to contain a higher level of fat
(unsaturated~not bad fat) and a bit of cholesterol. Toss cooked beans with
tamari, scallions & sesame seeds. Health
benefits: strengthens the spleen-pancreas, influences the colon, cleanses the blood
vessels and heart, improve circulation, helps to restore pancreatic functioning
(especially in diabetic condition); promotes clear vision, diuretic, highly alkalizing and
eliminates toxins from the body. Also a natural source of lecithin - a brain
food.
Nutrition facts: 1/2 cup cooked 150 Cal
14 g Protein 8 g Fat 9 g Carb. 2 mg Sodium 5 g Fiber
Cooking methods: Simmer, ratio 1 : 3 ~ 3-4
hours. Pressure Cook, 1 : 3 ~ 5-8 minutes + 10. Soak in the
refrigerator, esp. in summer. Cook at least 3 hours~must be thoroughly cooked. |
wt:
500gms |
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Organic
Black Beans
(Organic Black Turtle Beans)
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Hardy members of the kidney family, black
beans are native to Mexico. High in magnesium and fiber. Very low in fat. Rich,
earthy flavour balances spicy Latin dishes. The star of much Southwestern
cuisine. Cook with garlic, cumin, coriander, ginger, thyme, sage,
oregano and epazote. Use for enchiladas, burritos, soups. Top black bean soup with
squeezed lemon, parmesan, and a dollop of yogurt. Or for a salad, toss with olive oil,
lemon, diced onions, cilantro, and quinoa. a.k.a. black turtle beans Health benefits: beneficial to kidney and reproductive
function, builds yin fluids and blood, diuretic. Used for low backache, knee
pain, involuntary seminal emission and di
Nutrition facts: 1/2 cup cooked 110 Cal 7 g Protein
0 g Fat 20 g Carb. 0 mg Sodium 6 g Fiber
Cooking methods: Simmer, ratio 1 : 3 ~ 11/2
Hours. Pressure Cook, ratio 1 : 13/4 ~ 5-8 minutes +10. Soak. Simmer 1 cup
beans in 3 cups water. |
wt:
500gms |
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Canned
Legumes
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