Origin: Red kidney beans are thought to have originated in Peru. They’re part of a larger group called “common beans,” which were cultivated as early as 8,000 years ago. Common beans were spread by migrating tribes and served as an important protein source in the diets of the Indians of the Americas. Grown in Colonial America, kidney beans were cultivated by Acadian farmers in Louisiana in the late 1700s and planted by Spanish settlers. Haitians emigrating to New Orleans in the late 1700s brought spicy Caribbean recipes for beans and rice. Enslaved African plantation workers along the Mississippi River also ate meals of spicy red beans and rice.
In New Orleans and South Louisiana we love the red kidney bean so much we feel that we own it – but it’s an ingredient in cuisines worldwide. Rajma masala is a spicy Indian red bean stew, and red bean ice cream is a popular Asian dessert.
Scientifically: Kidney Beans are full of health benefits. It helps in lowering the cholesterol and blood sugar level. It has an abundance of nutrients. The kidney bean is a variety of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). It is named for its visual resemblance in shape and color to a kidney.
Usage: Red beans hold their shape during cooking and, as a result, are perfect for simmered dishes. They are featured in chili, Caribbean red beans and rice, and many Indian dishes. They are also prepared in sweet delicacies such as habichuelas con dulce (sweet cream of beans). Red beans are versatile: they can be seasoned with sausage or ham, but can also be served vegetarian or vegan. When combined with rice, red beans make a complete protein source, and, therefore, are ideal as a substitute for meat. Red beans, like many kinds of legumes, must be fully boiled or otherwise cooked before being eaten as they contain natural toxins that are destroyed in the cooking process.
Below are some DIY with kidney beans:
- Take a tablespoon of red bean flour and add some raw milk to it. Mix these ingredients together and apply on the face for 10 minutes. Rinse later. This pack helps in cleansing of the skin.
- Take some ground red kidney beans with egg whites. Mix them together and apply on the face 15 minutes. Rinse later. This mask helps in clearing the acne.
- Combine a cup of ground kidney beans with some yogurt. Apply them on the body and gently massage in a circular motion. This helps in exfoliating and lightening the skin.
- Take a tablespoon of ground kidney beans, add a teaspoon of gram flour to it. Make a paste with water. Apply this mixture on the face and rinse later. This helps in deep cleansing of the skin.