Discover 4 Different Types of White Beans | Camellia Brand (2024)

Discover 4 Different Types of White Beans | Camellia Brand (1)

Have you ever seen the term “white beans” and wondered if it was referring to Navy beans, Great Northern beans, Cannellini beans, orBaby Lima beans? Well, it could be referring to any and all of them. And since there are so many varieties of white beans, it’s easy to be confused by what differentiates one from another. Let’s break it down:

Navy (Pea) Beans

Also called pea beans, Navy beans are small, oval-shaped, and quick-cooking. Because they get creamy when cooked, they’re perfect for mashing against the side of the pot, pureeing in dips, and thickening soups, stews, ragouts, and more. They have a mild flavor and are the bean of choice for classic Boston baked beans, Navy Bean Chowder, and quintessential South Louisiana-Style White Beans & Rice. Interestingly, the Navy bean name comes from its use as a food staple by the U.S. Navy in the early 1900s. While all beans are high in fiber, Navy beans have the most — 19 grams per cup!

Great Northern Beans

Larger than Navy Beans but smaller than Cannellini beans, medium-sized Great Northern beans are known for their mild, nutty flavor and firm flesh. Great in soups and stews, they hold their shape better than Navy beans, take on the flavors of the foods they’re cooked with, and are commonly used in French cassoulets.

Cannellini Beans

Cannellini beans are the largest of the group and because of their traditional kidney shape, they can also be referred to as White Kidney Beans. Meatier than Navy or Great Northern beans, they have a nutty, earthy flavor and tender flesh, and are often used in Italian dishes like Minestrone. They retain their shape and texture well, so they’re perfect to use in salads, soups, stews, and chili.

Baby Lima Beans

Also called “butterbeans”, Baby Lima beans are small, smooth, and creamy with a rich, buttery texture. They’re starchier than other beans and are often used in soups, stews, succotash, and casseroles, or just cooked simply with herbs and spices. In the south, they’re often cooked with ham or bacon and served over rice.

Substituting One Variety for Another

The reality is that even though the different varieties have slightly different flavors and sizes, (and everyone has their personal favorites), they’re often used interchangeably in recipes. So, for example, if a recipe calls for Cannellinis, and you only have Great Northerns on hand, your dish will still come out fine and taste delicious. So try them all to see which you like best, and enjoy.

Categories:Bean Love

Discover 4 Different Types of White Beans | Camellia Brand (2024)

FAQs

Discover 4 Different Types of White Beans | Camellia Brand? ›

There are different types of white beans, which vary in size, texture, taste and cooking time. The most common types of white beans are: Navy Beans, Great Northern Beans, Cannellini Beans & Lima Beans.

What are the 4 types of white beans? ›

There are different types of white beans, which vary in size, texture, taste and cooking time. The most common types of white beans are: Navy Beans, Great Northern Beans, Cannellini Beans & Lima Beans.

What are the most popular white beans? ›

White beans as a category includes navy beans, great northern beans, cannellini beans, baby lima beans, butter beans, garbanzo beans, pinto beans, etc. These are the most popular types of white beans (cooked white beans), however each type has its own unique peculiarities and features.

What are great white beans? ›

Some recipes simply call for “white beans.” This is a general term for great northern beans, navy beans, cannellini beans, and other similar beans.

Which white bean is healthiest? ›

All beans are rich in fiber, but the top-ranking variety is the navy bean, allegedly named for its popularity in the U.S. Navy in the early 20th century. These pea-sized, cream-colored beans provide 10 grams of fiber per half-cup serving.

What kind of beans are canned white beans? ›

Some types of white beans include cannellini beans (also called white kidney beans), lima beans (also known as butter beans), great northern beans, and navy beans. Yup, plenty of options you can find in most supermarkets in dry and canned form.

What are the 4 vegetable beans? ›

Four Angled Bean or Winged Beans are one of the famous ulam of Malaysia. Can be eaten raw or cooked, this nutritious vegetable is a great addition to your daily diet! Best enjoyed with sambal Belacan. Or pieces of it to your salad for a delightful crunch.

What are the 4 types of coffee beans? ›

The four main coffee types are Arabica, Robusta, Excelsa, and Liberica and all four of them have radically different taste profiles.

What are big white beans called? ›

Cannellini Beans: Large white kidney beans that originated in South America.

What are the largest white beans? ›

Gigante Beans (you may also know them as Royal Corona beans if you are familiar with Rancho Gordo beans) are extra-large white runner beans, common in Greek cuisine. They have a sweet, mild taste, meaty texture, and hold their shape well through cooking.

What are the white long beans called? ›

White China long beans are a relatively rare, new variety of China long bean. They are considered to be fast-growing plants, and can produce a large number of pods within 60 days of planting. Varieties available in the United States include those called White Galaxy long beans and White Seeded long beans.

Is there another name for white beans? ›

Both cannellini beans—also known as white kidney beans—and great northern beans are small- to medium-size white beans that are widely available in the U.S. in cans and dried. Both types of bean also originated and were cultivated in the area that is now South America and are part of the Phaseolus vulgaris species.

Which white bean is creamier? ›

They're very similar, but for most soups Cannelini & Great Northern are much better than navy beans. They've got thicker skins, making for creamier beans that don't break apart and thicken the soup.

What are other names for giant white beans? ›

The Italians call them corona beans; the Greeks call them gigante beans. You'll also sometimes find them labeled as butter beans. They all, in fact, stem from the good ol' lima bean.

Are cannellini beans and white kidney beans the same thing? ›

Several types exist, though the most common are cannellini beans, which are also called white kidney beans. Tender, with an earthy, nutty flavor, they make a great addition to soups, stews, chilis, and other dishes. This article reviews the nutrient profile, benefits, and uses of white beans.

What is the difference between white northern beans and white navy beans? ›

Navy and Great Northern beans are similar in most ways. They have similar flavor profiles, nutritional values, cook times, and cost. The only slight differences are their shape and size. Navy beans are circular, small white beans, while great northern white beans are a bit bigger and more oval-shaped.

What's the difference between great northern beans and cannellini beans? ›

"The difference between the two rests primarily with the heartiness of the cannellini over the northern," explains Vince Hayward, the president of Camellia Brand beans. "Because of the thicker skin, and slightly bolder bean taste, the cannellini lends itself better towards soups and stews," Hayward adds.

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