Kidney Bean Sprouts

The Journey of a Kidney Bean From Sprout to Plate

A warm summer evening, a delicious meal, and a plate of fully cooked, perfectly seasoned kidney beans. It’s an evening we can all appreciate: the ease of cooking a nutritious meal at home, coupled with the convenience of modern agricultural practices allowing us to enjoy these kidney beans any time of year. But what’s the journey of a kidney bean? Where does a bean sprout come from, and how does it make its way onto our plates? We’re going to dive deep into the journey of a kidney bean, from its origin to the preparation of the meal.

The first step in the journey of a kidney bean is the plant itself. The common bean, or Phaseolus vulgaris, is a herbaceous and annual flowering plant found in the Fabaceae family. This humble bean originated in Central and South America and has been cultivated by indigenous peoples for centuries for its palatable and nutritionally dense seeds. There are over 5,000 varieties of these beans grown around the world, including pinto beans, black beans, navy beans, and small red beans. Each of these beans, whether grown in a garden or from a field, are the same species at their core and contain similar nutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Once harvested, the beans are sorted and removed from their pods before they can begin their journey to the dinner plate. Once separated, the beans are cleaned and sorted to ensure they are free of stones and other contaminants. After this sorting process, the beans are separated into two categories: those that are meant for cooking and those that are meant for sprouting.

Sprouted beans for dinner, you may be asking? Yes, sprouted beans, or beans that have germinated and are beginning to soften, are an excellent and nutritious food to be included in your meal. With sprouted beans, you can enjoy more of the nutritional benefits than with ordinary cooked beans. Sprouted beans are rich in plant-based proteins, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and other vital nutrients.

One of the best ways to grow a sprout is through the use of a sprouter. This device is a small and easy to use container with a mesh lid which helps to keep the beans moist and warm. First, the beans are placed inside the sprouter and then rinsed with fresh water and drained. As the beans soak, they begin to absorb the water and start to swell. This process takes 12-24 hours, and throughout this time, the beans are rinsed 2-3 times daily.

After the beans have been soaking for 12-24 hours, they are ready to be left and allowed to sprout. During this time, the beans will double in size as the sprouts emerge from the bean. The length of time in which the sprouts emerge from the beans varies from bean to bean, with some taking up to one week to sprout. After the sprouts have grown, it’s time to transfer the sprouts to a sunny spot for further growth.

Once securely placed in a sunny spot, the beans require just the right amount of water, light and warmth to further the growth of the sprouts. Watering the bean-sprouts twice a day is necessary to keep them large and full of energy. As the days pass, the sprouts will slowly begin to brown and harden, indicating they are ready to be harvested.

Now that our sprouts have emerged and we’ve taken care of them, its time to prepare the beans for dinner. It’s important to note that although cooked beans will retain most of their nutrient value, sprouted beans can contain three times the amount of dietary fiber than the same amount of cooked beans. This increased amount of dietary fiber gives the sprouted beans a richer, sweeter taste.

When preparing the beans for dinner, it is important to consider the end dish. For some meals, boiling the beans in lightly salted water for 10-20 minutes helps to soften them up, making them easier to digest and providing a simpler texture. For other meals, a quick sauté or stir-fry can bring out the nutty flavor of the beans.

Once prepared, the beans can now be served as part of the meal. Whether its part of a risotto, a simple side dish, a hearty chili, or a warm stew, the addition of these sprouted beans will not only add nutrition to the dish but also a delightful flavor that is sure to brighten any meal.

When we consider the journey of a kidney bean, from sprout to plate, we can truly appreciate the process that each tiny bean has gone through. From its inception on a plant to its transformation into a flavorful and nutritious meal, the journey of a kidney bean is something that should be honored, admired, and generally appreciated. Enjoy the process, relish in the flavor, and thank the bean for its journey.