Black bean facts for kids

Black bean can mean a few different things, but most often, it refers to a type of edible seed. These seeds are popular ingredients in many dishes around the world, especially in Latin American and East Asian cooking. They are known for their dark color and rich, earthy flavor.

What Are Black Beans?

Black beans are small, kidney-shaped seeds that come from different plants. They are packed with nutrients like protein and fiber, making them a healthy addition to meals. While many types of black beans exist, they are all part of the legume family, which includes peas, lentils, and peanuts.

Black Turtle Beans

The most common type of black bean is the Black turtle bean. These are a variety of the common bean, known scientifically as Phaseolus vulgaris. They are a staple food in many Latin American countries, like Mexico, Brazil, and Cuba. People use them in dishes such as Feijoada, Gallo pinto, and Black bean soup. They have a mild, slightly sweet taste and a creamy texture when cooked.

Black Soybeans

Black soybeans are another type of black bean, but they come from the soybean plant. They are very popular in East Asian cooking, especially in China, Japan, and Korea. Unlike common black beans, black soybeans are often used to make fermented products.

Black Bean Sauce

One popular product made from black soybeans is black bean sauce. This sauce is made from fermented black soybeans and is a key ingredient in Chinese cuisine. It adds a salty, savory, and slightly pungent flavor to stir-fries, steamed dishes, and marinades. It's a great way to add a lot of flavor to food.

Other Types of Black Beans

There are other black beans too! The Black adzuki bean is a variety of adzuki bean, often used in Korean cuisine. It's usually smaller than a common black bean and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Another type is black gram, also called vigna mungo. This is a type of lentil popular in South Asian cuisine, especially in India, where it's used to make dishes like Dal makhani.

Not Just Food: Other "Black Beans"

Sometimes, "black bean" can refer to things that aren't food at all!

The Moreton Bay Chestnut Tree

The Castanospermum australe tree is often called the Moreton Bay Chestnut or "black bean tree." This tree grows in Australia and produces large, dark seeds that look a bit like beans. However, it's very important to know that these seeds are poisonous if eaten. So, while they look like beans, they are definitely not for eating!

Black Bean Games

Black Bean Games is an Italian company that publishes video games. They have released many different games for various gaming platforms. So, if you hear "Black Bean" in the world of gaming, it's likely referring to this company, not something you can eat!