What Are Cranberry Beans? A Complete Guide to the Beautiful Speckled Bean

If you’ve browsed the dried bean section of your grocery store, you’ve likely seen bags of multi-colored speckled beans labeled as “cranberry” beans. But what exactly are cranberry beans? And what sets them apart from other bean varieties?

Cranberry beans go by many names but their speckled color and creamy nutty taste make them stand out. Once you learn more about these heirloom beans, you’ll want to add them to your regular bean rotation.

What Are Cranberry Beans?

Cranberry beans, also called Roman beans or borlotti beans are an heirloom variety of Phaseolus vulgaris beans. They are similar to pinto beans but feature distinctive pinkish-red speckles on a pale cream colored skin. Their eye-catching speckled appearance resembles cranberries leading to the name cranberry beans.

Native to the Americas, cranberry beans have been cultivated in Italy for centuries, especially in the northern Piedmont region. In Italian, the beans are called borlotti after the Borlotti family who helped popularize them.

While freshly harvested cranberry beans display their colorful speckled pattern, the red flecks disappear and turn a solid light brown when cooked. But the cream and speckle color combo returns when dried cranberry beans are soaked and prepared.

Key Characteristics of Cranberry Beans:

• Appearance – Pale cream skin with vibrant pinkish-red speckles. Turns uniformly light brown when cooked.

• Flavor – Sweet, buttery, and nutty flavor. Creamier texture than other beans.

• Size and shape – Medium sized oval bean similar in shape to a pinto bean.

• Growing region – Originally from the Americas but widely grown in Mediterranean climates like Italy. Thrives in cool weather.

• Uses – Excellent in soups, stews, bean salads, or anywhere you’d use a white bean. Perfect for Tuscan bean recipes.

How Do Cranberry Beans Differ From Pinto Beans?

Cranberry beans look very similar to another speckled bean: the pinto bean. But despite their visual resemblance, there are a few key ways cranberry beans differ from pintos:

• Appearance – Cranberry beans have red speckles on cream. Pintos have brown speckles on tan.

• Cooking time – Cranberry beans usually take a bit longer to cook than pintos.

• Flavor – Cranberry beans are sweeter and richer than the earthy flavor of pintos. The texture is also silkier.

• Regional popularity – Pintos are preferred in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. Cranberry beans are favorites in Mediterranean and Italian cooking.

So while substituting cranberry for pinto beans or vice versa is possible in most recipes, expect some differences in cook times, texture, and flavor.

Nutrition Profile

Cranberry beans are highly nutritious. Like other beans, they are a cholesterol-free protein source packed with fiber. One cup of cooked cranberry beans contains:

• Calories: 230
• Protein: 14g
• Fiber: 13g
• Iron: 5mg
• Folate: 358mcg

They are also a source of calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and B vitamins. The fiber helps support digestive and heart health. Overall, the nutrition stats make a compelling case to eat more beans, including the colorful cranberry variety.

How to Cook Cranberry Beans

Cranberry beans require prep work but their versatility makes them worth the effort. Here’s an overview of how to cook dried cranberry beans:

1. Pick over and rinse beans, then soak 8-24 hours.

2. Drain soaked beans, place in a pot, and cover with fresh water.

3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until tender, about 90 minutes.

4. Season cooked beans with olive oil, salt, and herbs.

Slow cooker or pressure cooker recipes can cut active cooking time to about an hour. Canned cranberry beans are also an option but won’t have quite as much flavor.

Best Uses for Cranberry Beans

Once cooked, cranberry beans work well in:

• Soups – Minestrone, bean & pasta soup, cranberry bean soup

• Salads – Cranberry bean salad with vinaigrette, added to grain bowls

• Sides – Tuscan-style beans braised in olive oil and herbs

• Stews and chilis – Add creaminess and protein

• Spreads – Puréed into dips and crostini toppings

• Vegetarian mains – Cranberry bean tacos or burgers

In Italian cooking, cranberry beans are best known for being the bean base for dishes like pasta e fagioli soup or Tuscan white bean salads. They also shine in Mexican, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Middle Eastern cuisine.

Where to Buy Cranberry Beans

Cranberry beans can be purchased dried or canned:

• Dried – Sold in bulk bins or bags in natural food stores or the ethnic food aisle. Online stores like Rancho Gordo also carry them.

• Canned – Available canned at many grocers, either plain or in soups/stews. Check ingredient lists for “cranberry beans.”

• Fresh – Fresh cranberry beans may be found at farmers markets in late summer/early fall during harvest season.

When buying dried, look for plump, uniform beans with good color. Avoid dried beans that appear shriveled, broken, or discolored.

With their impressive nutrition, versatility, and gorgeous speckled appearance, cranberry beans deserve more time in the spotlight. Their naturally sweet, creamy taste adds something special to bean dishes. Seek them out on your next trip down the bean aisle.