The pinto bean, along with its other Phaseolus vulgaris cousins, is one of America s gifts to the world. They are just as popular today as when introduced to Europeans by Columbus because of their flavor, cost, nutritional value and ease of preparation.
Few foods are as versatile as pinto beans.
They can be served as appetizers, soups, salads, main dishes and breads. Even some cake, pie and candy recipes use cooked pinto beans. One cup of pinto beans provides one quarter of the U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance of protein for adults. Supplementing the protein of pinto beans with a little meat, dairy products, rice or corn will provide all the essential amino acids. Because beans contain soluble fiber, they can lower blood cholesterol.