How to Cook

Some people prefer using dry beans as they are unprocessed, while others prefer using canned for their convenience. Either way, beans are nutritional powerhouses. They are high in fibre, low in fat and are a good source of protein. Eating beans can lower blood cholesterol, help with weight management and blood sugar control.

How to Prepare Dry Beans

Dry beans are an incredibly nutritious, versatile and inexpensive ingredient. The cost of one ½ cup serving of dry beans is about one-third the cost of canned beans. Cooking with dry beans is easy and rewarding, but to cook with dry beans versus canned beans you need to follow five simple steps.

How to Prepare Canned Beans

Don’t count beans out because they are canned. You can continue to get the great taste, convenience and nutritional benefits of canned beans by following a common food preparation practice: draining and rinsing. 

How to Purée Beans

They are nutritious, versatile and inexpensive, but beans aren’t everyone’s favourite food. Cooked beans can be easily puréed and hidden in so many dishes, even the pickiest of eaters won’t know. Follow these simple steps and start adding beans to your meals.

How to Blend Beans

Blending beans into other foods is a great way to extend the reach and reduce the cost of a meal. It’s also a great way to introduce picky eaters to beans for the first time.

You can either use whole cooked beans, or if you need to be sneaky, you can finely chop with a knife or mash with a potato masher. Combine the beans with ground meat for hamburgers, meatballs, tacos and so much more!

How to Store and Freeze

Beans are a staple pantry item but how long is too long to keep them? Unopened canned beans store well in a cool, dry place for up to one year or until the best before date on the can. Store dry beans in a tightly covered container in a cool, dry place.

How to Use Bean Flour

Bean flours can be found in some grocery stores, bulk food stores and ethnic or specialty markets. Bean flours can be used in a variety of recipes. They are a great ingredient to use in gluten-free recipes or to boost levels of fibre.