Kidney beans vs. Red beans
Red beans and kidney beans are one in the same. There is much confusion about what the actual difference is between them. In fact, there is nodifference between the two small beans.
Phaseolus vulgaris is the scientific name for the common bean, and the family that the red kidney bean belongs to. This bean is interchangeably called the red bean or the kidney bean, however the kidney bean is what you will find used in most recipes. These beans are covered with a dark red, thick skin and they are shaped like the human organ, the kidney. For this reason, they are commonly called either kidney or red beans.
Beans are commonly used in Indian food, Spanish food, and in cuisine in Louisiana. In Indian food they are commonly served in curry form. In Spanish food they are used in chili dishes, like chili con carne. In southern Louisiana cooking they are used in creole. These beans are also packed with protein and the fiber that tends to reduce cholesterol numbers. They are also a good source of iron and balance for blood sugar levels in diabetics. The beans are used across the world as they are grown year round, stay fresh for long periods of time, and are inexpensive forms of protein.
Raw kidney beans should not be ingested as they contain a toxin known as phytohaemagglutinin. This toxin is destroyed after boiling for at least 15 minutes. If you do consume any raw beans, even as little as 5 beans, it will induce nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Every year, thousands across the world become ill because of a failure to cook the beans long enough or because they make the mistake of consuming the raw beans. Scientists recommend soaking the beans in water for over 5 hours and then boiling in clean water for the 15 minutes previously mentioned. Outbreaks of phytohaemagglutinin are more common in third world countries and for an unknown reason in the United Kingdom as well. Despite these minor poisonings that are linked to the bean, they are still used in cooking all over the world. The strong flavor of the boiled bean makes it popular to add flavor and texture to dishes everywhere, however most restaurants know that they cannot serve these beans raw.
Red beans and kidney beans have no differences, in fact they are just two different descriptive names which are used for the same bean that is red and kidney shaped.
Summary
1. Kidney beans and red beans are in fact the same bean, their names are just different based on who describes them.
2. The kidney bean is red in color and is shaped like an actual kidney.
3. The bean is used in Spanish, Indian, and Louisiana cuisine. They are also used in various dishes across the world.
4. These beans are high in protein, good cholesterol, fiber, and iron.