Cranberry beans contain more zinc, vitamin B3, and folate. They also contain lower calories and have a lower GI content.
Pinto beans, on the other hand, provide more vitamin B6, vitamin C, potassium, choline, and phosphorus. Pinto beans also provide more net carbs, dietary fiber, and calories.
Cranberry beans and pinto beans are legumes and belong to the family Fabaceae. Pinto beans come from Mexico, whereas cranberry beans are native to South America. At first sight, pinto beans and cranberry beans look the same.
Compared to pinto beans, cranberry beans are large. Cranberry beans (Borlotti beans) have big red or black specks. Pinto beans, on the other hand, are medium size and have dark-brown flecks. After cooking, both lose their spots and become darker.
Cranberry beans have a rich, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor. Pinto beans have a mild, earthy flavor with a creamy texture․.
Pinto beans and cranberry beans have various culinary uses. You can add beans to salads, soups, and dips.
We will compare the nutritional information of cranberry beans and pinto beans in this part of the article.
Pinto beans are high in net carbs, dietary fiber, and fat, while cranberry beans are slightly high in protein.
Macronutrient Comparison Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison Cranberry beans 2 9% 24% 65% Protein: 9. 34 g Fats: 0. 46 g Carbs: 24. 46 g Water: 64. 65 g Other: 1. 09 g Pinto beans 3 9% 26% 63% Protein: 9. 01 g Fats: 0. 65 g Carbs: 26. 22 g Water: 62. 95 g Other: 1. 17 g Contains more FatsFats +41. 3% ~equal in Protein ~9. 01g ~equal in Carbs ~26. 22g ~equal in Water ~62. 95g ~equal in Other ~1. 17g.
In comparison to cranberry beans, pinto beans provide more calories. There are 136 calories in 100 grams of cranberry beans and 143 calories in 100 grams of pinto beans.
Cranberry beans contain 9. 34g of protein per 100g. Pinto beans provide 9. 01g of protein. Both contain all essential amino acids.
The fat content in cranberry beans and pinto beans is not high. Both provide less than 1g of fat per 100 g. Cranberry beans contain 0. 46g of fats, whereas pinto beans 0. 65g.
Fat Type Comparison Fat type breakdown side-by-side comparison Cranberry beans 1 33% 11% 56% Saturated Fat: Sat. Fat 0. 119 g Monounsaturated Fat: Mono. Fat 0. 04 g Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 0. 199 g Pinto beans 2 27% 26% 47% Saturated Fat: Sat. Fat 0. 136 g Monounsaturated Fat: Mono. Fat 0. 133 g Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 0. 235 g Contains less Sat. FatSaturated Fat -12. 5% Contains more Mono. FatMonounsaturated Fat +232. 5% Contains more Poly. FatPolyunsaturated fat +18. 1% .
Pinto beans contain more carb content compared to cranberry beans. A hundred grams of pinto beans contain 26. 22g of carbs, of which 9g are dietary fiber and 17. 22g are net carbs.
A hundred grams of cranberry beans contain 24. 46g of carbohydrates, of which 8. 6g are dietary fiber and 15. 86g are net carbs.
Carbohydrate type comparison Carbohydrate type breakdown side-by-side comparison Cranberry beans 0 Pinto beans 0 98% 2% Starch: 15. 15 g Sucrose: 0. 34 g Glucose: 0 g Fructose: 0 g Lactose: 0 g Maltose: 0 g Galactose: 0 g.
Pinto beans contain 35.3 mg of choline per 100 grams, whereas cranberry beans do not contain it.
Mineral Comparison: The mineral comparison score is based on how many minerals one food has more of than another. The following charts show how much of a person’s daily needs 300 grams of food can meet. 20% of cranberry beans are made up of magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, copper, zinc, phosphorus, sodium, manganese, selenium, and copper. 13% 48% 7. 1% of pinto beans are magnesium 33%, potassium 33%, calcium 33%, iron 33%, copper 33%, zinc 33%, phosphorus 33%, sodium 33%, manganese 33%, selenium 33%, and copper 63%. 13% 59% 34% Contains more ZincZinc +16. 3% Contains more PotassiumPotassium +12. 7% Contains more ManganeseManganese +22. 4% Contains more SeleniumSelenium +376. 9% ~equal in Magnesium ~50mg ~equal in Calcium ~46mg ~equal in Iron ~2. 09mg ~equal in Copper ~0. 219mg ~equal in Phosphorus ~147mg ~equal in Sodium ~1mg.
Cranberry beans and pinto beans are low-GI foods. The glycemic index of cranberry beans is 35, whereas pinto beans have a glycemic index of 39.
Finding the potential renal acid load, or PRAL, tells you how much acid or base a certain diet makes your body make. The PRAL value of cranberry beans is -0. 5, whereas pinto beans have a PRAL value -1. 2. Both are alkaline.
At first glance, cranberry beans and pinto beans appear quite similar Both feature speckled and mottled seed coats in eye-catching colors But are these two beans actually one and the same? Or are there key differences that set them apart?
In this article, we’ll closely examine pinto beans and cranberry beans side-by-side. We’ll compare their origin, appearance, flavor, uses in cooking, and nutritional value. Read on to finally determine if cranberry beans are indeed the same as pinto beans.
The Origin and History of Cranberry Beans vs. Pinto Beans
First let’s look at where each bean variety comes from
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Pinto beans originated in Mexico and the Southwestern United States. They are deeply rooted in Latin American cuisines. Pinto beans have been cultivated in Central and South America for over 7,000 years.
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Cranberry beans originated in Italy. They are also referred to as borlotti beans, named after the Borlotti family that helped popularize them in the 1800s. Cranberry bean cultivation in Italy dates back centuries.
So while their speckled seed coats may look alike, pinto beans and cranberry beans emerged from different regions and cultures. Pinto beans have a Mexican heritage while cranberry beans come from Italian culinary tradition.
Comparing the Appearance of Cranberry Beans and Pinto Beans
Though their origins differ, pinto beans and cranberry beans bear a similar mottled, multi-colored appearance. So what exactly sets them visually apart?
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Pinto bean coloring ranges from pale tan to brown with darker speckles in orange, reddish-brown or darker brown.
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Cranberry bean mottling displays more vivid speckles in deep red, pink, maroon or purplish tones on a pale cream background.
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Raw cranberry beans feature bolder coloring that fades when cooked. Pinto beans keep more color when cooked.
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Cranberry beans are often larger and plumper in size and shape compared to pintos.
So while both feature speckled seed coats, cranberry beans showcase more vivid, red speckling while pinto beans remain in warm earth tones.
How Do Cranberry Beans and Pinto Beans Taste Different?
When it comes to flavor, pinto beans and cranberry beans again share some similarities but have distinctive taste as well:
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Both offer an earthy, nutty bean flavor profile.
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Pinto beans have a milder, more delicate flavor. Their taste is described as nutty, sweet and buttery.
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Cranberry beans boast a richer, more robust flavor. Their taste is nuttier with more savory umami undertones.
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When cooked, cranberry beans become creamier in texture compared to pintos.
So while both deliver classic bean flavor, cranberry beans offer a heartier, more pronounced taste. Their creamy texture also differs from the firmer bite of pinto beans.
How Are Cranberry Beans and Pinto Beans Used Differently?
Cuisine and culinary uses also highlight the differences between these two bean types:
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Pinto beans are used extensively in Mexican and Southwestern U.S. cuisine. Popular dishes include tacos, burritos, nachos, chili, and refried beans.
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Cranberry beans shine in Italian cooking. They are featured in hearty soups and stews like pasta e fagioli or minestrone. Cranberry beans also lend themselves well to salads.
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Pinto beans appear more often in American cooking. Cranberry beans are less common outside their role in Italian recipes.
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Smooth, velvety purees can be made more easily with cranberry beans.
So pinto beans suit the spicy, savory dishes of Mexican cuisine. Meanwhile, cranberry beans excel at adding richness to Italian soups, stews and salads.
Nutrition Comparison of Pinto Beans vs. Cranberry Beans
Finally, let’s examine the nutritional values of these two beans:
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Both pinto and cranberry beans are excellent sources of plant-based protein and fiber.
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One cup of cooked pinto beans contains around 15 grams protein, 15 grams fiber and around 230 calories.
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Cranberry beans offer about 13 grams protein, 16 grams fiber and 210 calories per cooked cup.
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Cranberry beans contain more iron while pinto beans edge out in protein content.
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Both offer a wealth of vitamins and minerals like folate, manganese, potassium and magnesium.
When it comes to nutritional value, pinto and cranberry beans are quite comparable. They provide similar health benefits and nutrition in a plant-based diet.
The Verdict: Cranberry Beans vs. Pinto Beans
While cranberry beans and pinto beans may look somewhat alike, they have distinct differences in origin, appearance, flavor, uses, and nutrition.
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Pinto bean heritage lies in Mexico/Southwestern U.S while cranberry beans come from Italy.
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Cranberry beans display more vivid red speckling compared to the tan, brown-flecked pinto.
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Cranberry beans offer a heartier, more robust bean flavor and creamier texture.
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The two beans shine in different regional cuisines: Mexican for pinto, Italian for cranberry.
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Nutrition and health benefits are similar, with slight variations like more iron in cranberry beans.
So while they resemble each other superficially, pinto beans versus cranberry beans have enough unique traits to set them apart in identity. Though feel free to substitute one for the other when needed! Both offer delightful bean flavor.
Are Cranberry Beans the Same as Pinto Beans? The Bottom Line
Cranberry beans and pinto beans may look alike at first glance. But upon closer inspection, these speckled legumes differ in origin, appearance, use in cuisine, and flavor. While they overlap in nutritional value, key variations like their regional food histories make it clear cranberry beans and pinto beans are not the same. However, their similarities do allow the beans to be swapped when needed in recipes. So savor the best attributes of both beans!
Which food is preferable for your diet?Low
is better in case of low diet
| Low Calories diet |
| Low Fats diet |
| Low Carbs diet |
| Low Glycemic Index diet |
All nutrients comparison – raw data values
| Nutrient | Opinion | |
| Calories | 136kcal | 143kcal |
| Protein | 9.34g | 9.01g |
| Fats | 0.46g | 0.65g |
| Vitamin C | 0mg | 0.8mg |
| Net carbs | 15.86g | 17.22g |
| Carbs | 24.46g | 26.22g |
| Magnesium | 50mg | 50mg |
| Calcium | 50mg | 46mg |
| Potassium | 387mg | 436mg |
| Iron | 2.09mg | 2.09mg |
| Sugar | 0.34g | |
| Fiber | 8.6g | 9g |
| Copper | 0.231mg | 0.219mg |
| Zinc | 1.14mg | 0.98mg |
| Starch | 15.15g | |
| Phosphorus | 135mg | 147mg |
| Sodium | 1mg | 1mg |
| Vitamin E | 0.94mg | |
| Manganese | 0.37mg | 0.453mg |
| Selenium | 1.3µg | 6.2µg |
| Vitamin B1 | 0.21mg | 0.193mg |
| Vitamin B2 | 0.069mg | 0.062mg |
| Vitamin B3 | 0.515mg | 0.318mg |
| Vitamin B5 | 0.24mg | 0.21mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.081mg | 0.229mg |
| Vitamin K | 3.5µg | |
| Folate | 207µg | 172µg |
| Choline | 35.3mg | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.119g | 0.136g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.04g | 0.133g |
| Polyunsaturated fat | 0.199g | 0.235g |
| Tryptophan | 0.111mg | 0.108mg |
| Threonine | 0.393mg | 0.331mg |
| Isoleucine | 0.412mg | 0.426mg |
| Leucine | 0.746mg | 0.765mg |
| Lysine | 0.641mg | 0.63mg |
| Methionine | 0.14mg | 0.117mg |
| Phenylalanine | 0.505mg | 0.531mg |
| Valine | 0.489mg | 0.519mg |
| Histidine | 0.26mg | 0.247mg |
Harvesting pinto beans/cranberry beans/ The health benifits of cranberry beans
FAQ
What is the difference between cranberry beans and pinto beans?
What bean is closest to a cranberry bean?
What kind of beans are cranberry beans?
What beans are the same as pinto beans?
Are cranberry beans the same as pinto beans?
They look a lot like pinto beans after they are cooked and are used in many of the same ways. However, cranberry beans today are more commonly included in soups, salads, and polenta-based dishes. Treat Dreams tells us that pinto beans are also known for their rich, nutty flavor, but cranberry beans tend to taste stronger in that respect.
What is the difference between cranberries and cranberry beans?
Cranberries and cranberry beans are two very different things. Cranberry beans are a type of food that is related to kidney beans. They come from the same family.
Can you use pinto beans instead of Cranberry beans?
Pinto beans tend to be easier to locate at most local grocery stores so if you are making a recipe that calls for cranberry beans, you can use pinto beans instead without making any other changes to your recipe.
What are cranberry beans?
Cranberry beans are small legumes with deep red spots that look similar to pinto beans. Cranberry beans, also known as borlotti beans, originate from Italy. They are not as commonly used in US cooking but they are quite versatile. The name cranberry bean is derived from the vibrant red spots of the bean that are a similar color to cranberries.