Food Glossary: Beans/frijoles

Beans are an interesting ingredient which although I knew and had eaten at times before living in Central America, I had never really enjoyed or craved them so much!  They are very much a staple of the diet in this region which is easy to understand as they are affordable, easily grown and stored, rich in protein, and high in soluble fibre which helps to lower blood cholestoral levels.  There are so many varieties in the bean family, but it is the red (kidney) and black (turtle) bean which are most commonly found in Central American meals.  My personal favourite is the red bean.