Beans are a type of legume.
They are vegetables from the family of plants called Fabaceae.
It is a rich source of protein, fiber and essential vitamins and minerals.
This important legume is used in countries around the world in different ways.
Beans are an excellent ingredient in many vegetarian proteins.
It can be added to soups, salads and many cooked dishes.
It has numerous health benefits and one deserves to know more about it.
The origin of beans
About 55 species of beans from the genus Phaseolus, of which five are domesticated.
The most widely distributed and cultivated species is Phaseolus vulgaris. It is one of the most essential cultivated legumes in the world due to its high protein, carbohydrate and fiber content.
Beans are grown the most in Mexico, Brazil as well as in the tropical countries of Africa.
The origin of all beans is Central America, primarily Mexico.
However, scientists have concluded that the wild form of the common bean spread from Mexico through Ecuador and Colombia to the Andes and Argentina and separated into two centers – Central America and Andean around 11,000 years ago.
Beans are a plant with a long history of cultivation. Some archeological finds of fossil seeds date back 7-8000 years ago, especially in drier regions.
This means that this plant was cultivated and adapted to the environment in which man lived long before that.
Beans arrived in Europe during the 16th century with the return of the Spanish conquerors from the New World – America.
The Aztec name for beans is “Ajacot” and the Mayan name is “Buul”. These people cultivated tall varieties of beans that climbed up the slope.
Preparation of beans
Beans are a universal food and are prepared in different ways in kitchens all over the world.
Its neutral taste allows for several combinations with various spices, and since it is available all year round, it is widely used in cooking.
You can buy beans in bulk or already packed in plastic packaging.
In both cases, ensure that there are no signs of moisture or damage on the beans and that the beans are whole.
It should be stored in a sealed container in a cool, dry, dark place for up to a year.
You can also buy canned beans in most stores. Its advantage is quick preparation, little loss of nutritional value compared to boiled, and a longer shelf life.
Before washing the beans, spread them out on a surface to remove dirt, stones and damaged beans.
After that, put it in a colander and rinse well under running water.
You can reduce preparation time and speed up digestion.
For example, beans are usually soaked about eight hours before preparation or overnight in water, in a ratio of one to three.
But there is another way: boil the beans in water for a few minutes, then let them cool down and keep them in the water for another two hours.
Then drain the beans and wash them once more before cooking.
Refried beans
The name “refried beans” does not mean that the beans should be fried twice.
The name comes from the Spanish name for the dish “Frioles refritos” which means well-fried beans.
To make your own refried beans, you first need to boil them in water to soften them. Then fry it in a pan with spices and a little fat.
Pressure cooker vs. beans on the stove
There are two ways to cook beans so they can be fried afterward.
Traditional cooking in a pot as well as cooking in a pressure cooker.
A pressure cooker is more suitable for faster cooking because the beans will be cooked in half an hour.
However, if you cook the beans on the stove, cooking may take 2-3 hours, depending on the type and age of the beans.
Which beans are used to make refried beans
Traditionally, pinto beans are most often used to make Mexican-style refried beans.
Also, black beans can be excellently prepared in this way.
You can also use white or dark blue. Cook it, fry it in a pan with the spices you like and you will have a great dish you can use in many ways.
You can store leftover baked beans in the refrigerator for up to three days in a covered container.
You can also freeze it and leave the excess beans for next time.
How long do refried beans last in the fridge?
When it cools down, put it in an airtight container and then leave it in the refrigerator. You can store cooled refried beans in the fridge for 3-4 days.
How to freeze refried beans
You can prepare refried beans very quickly and easily at home. This leaves you free to add whatever seasoning you like, then use it as a main course, side dish, or stuff tacos or tortillas with it.
Also, there are many different recipes that you can try to get the perfect meal.
According to different restaurants, refried beans are served with melted cheese or rice and thus represent a delicious side dish to the main meal.
In general, refried beans resemble mashed beans, but you can leave the beans whole if you wish.
However, what if you made more beans than you needed? Don’t worry. Refried beans can be quickly frozen and used later when you need them.
The first step in freezing refried beans is to let them cool down. Cooling can last two to three hours, not longer.
So that you can easily use it later in the quantities you want, it is advisable to divide it into individual portions.
After dividing the beans into portions, it is necessary to put them in a lid or an airtight container.
In this way, you will prevent air from entering and contaminating your beans. Also, it does not take on other food smells from the freezers.
After you have divided it into portions, you should label it. This step is significant because refried beans have a shelf life, so it is vital to use them within the prescribed period.
Refried beans stored in the freezer in this way can last up to 12 months and it would be best to use them within that period.
Beans can last much longer in the freezer, but using them within one year is recommended. That way, it will keep its freshness, and you can easily make a new tour.
Moreover, if you want to freeze store-bought refried beans, you should first remove it from the can.
After that, you should follow the same procedure when freezing homemade refried beans.
How to defrost refried beans
You can use refried beans immediately after taking them out of the freezer. Put it directly in the pan and heat it on low heat, so it doesn’t burn.
This will ensure that the beans thaw slightly and do not remain frozen in the middle. Then, after it has completely thawed, you can turn up the heat a little.
If you want to thaw the beans first and then use them, leaving them in the refrigerator overnight is best so that they thaw evenly.
Then, in the morning, you can use it to prepare the dishes you want.
Do Refried Beans Freeze and Defrost Well?
Baked beans freeze very well.
If you follow the previously mentioned rules for freezing, the procedure is rapid and easy.
Moreover, it is even easier to defrost.
As we have already mentioned, you can thaw it directly in the pan or leave it overnight and your meal is ready.
Can you refreeze refried beans?
The answer is YES. Refried beans are very suitable for freezing and can refreeze after thawing.
Of course, let it cool down and put it back in the freezer, following the above rules.
The beans will not lose any flavor or texture, so you can easily reuse them.
Health benefits
Beans are a vegetable that has many benefits for your health.
If you include it in your diet, you will notice numerous positive changes in your body.
Appetite controlling
Beans are full of fiber and healthy carbohydrates.
Eating beans will make you feel full quickly.
If you include it in your diet for an extended period, beans could positively affect your weight loss.
Beans will make you feel full longer and thus prevent overeating and the desire to reach for something unhealthy between meals.
Gut health
According to some studies, different types of beans, especially black beans, improve the intestines’ function and increase the number of healthy bacteria.
This can help a lot in preventing various intestinal diseases.
In addition, healthy bacteria in the intestines improve the immune system and promote weight loss.
Diabetes
Eating beans can significantly affect the stabilization of blood glucose levels and even prevent diabetes in some cases.
Beans are very rich in fiber, which is precisely why they can affect the breakdown of glucose in the blood.
According to some research, a diet rich in fiber can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
It can also lower blood sugar levels in people who already suffer from this disease.
Another study looked at the effect of adding one serving of legumes on people with type 2 diabetes.
This study concluded that people who consumed beans had lower blood sugar levels and blood pressure than those who did not consume beans.
Preventing fatty liver
Fatty liver occurs when fat accumulates in the liver. It can occur with other diseases, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity.
Lifestyle and unhealthy diet can significantly affect these conditions.
Therefore, doctors base the treatment of this disease on controlling blood sugar and reducing the level of fat in the blood.
Changing the way of eating and replacing animal proteins with vegetable ones, in this case with beans, is the first step towards solving this problem and better general health.
Heart health
According to some studies, people who regularly use beans in their diet are less likely to suffer from heart disease and die from a heart attack.
One of the reasons for reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases is precisely the replacement of proteins from animal meat with proteins from beans.
According to other research, nutrients from beans can help lower blood cholesterol.
There is also ample evidence that a fiber diet can help reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
For example, half a serving of black beans provides as much as 14 g of fiber, which is more than half of the daily fiber needs of an adult.
Reduced cancer risk
Some research has shown that beans work well as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.
These ingredients in beans can reduce the risk of cancer. Most often, it affects reducing the risk of colon cancer.
Also, the results showed that black beans, which are most often used to prepare refried beans, have the best effects.
Folate
Among other nutrients, beans contain folates, which are very important for general health.
Folic acid belongs to the group of B vitamins and is vital for forming red blood cells.
It serves the brain’s normal functioning and is very important for mental and emotional health.
For example, it prevents fatigue, insomnia and reduces the effects of depression.
Moreover, it is essential in the prevention of complications in pregnancy. It can be premature birth, placental abruption or neural tube defects.
The possibility of these consequences is reduced by as much as 80% if the pregnant woman consumes enough folic acid.
One serving of beans has as much as 482 micrograms of folic acid.
Antioxidants
Beans are rich in polyphenols, which belong to a type of antioxidant. Antioxidants are substances that can prevent or slow down cell damage caused by free radicals produced by the body.
Free radicals are formed as a reaction to external or other pressures. If the body cannot deal with them, oxidative stress occurs.
Oxidative stress triggers the appearance of some chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, arthritis, stroke and respiratory diseases.
Antioxidants found in beans can successfully fight against free radicals and thus help the body to fight diseases.
Proteins
Proteins are vital nutrients that play a crucial role in the maintenance and health of the entire body.
For example, beans are rich in amino acids, which are the main building blocks of protein.
Beans have much protein and significantly less fat than animal sources of protein, such as meat or full-fat dairy products.
How often should you eat beans?
It is recommended to eat beans at least twice a week. Combining it with two other foods gives you a superfood for health and immunity.
Legumes are the best and most significant source of protein in the diet, and a meal with pasta or rice.
They provide a high-quality combination of proteins, which can be compared to meat or dairy products.
Therefore, if you want to eliminate red meat from your diet, replace it with such a meal.
The reason for this is the amino acid composition.
Legumes contain large amounts of the amino acid lysine, which is lacking in cereals, and are poor in the amino acids methionine, tryptophan and cysteine, which are abundant in grains.
Side effects
In addition to an extremely high number of nutrients beneficial for health, beans can have some health consequences. Allergies to beans are rare, but some people may be more prone.
Allergies
Some people can be allergic to beans, more precisely to some of its ingredients. Some allergies can be mild such as redness and rashes on the skin.
Some others can be more serious and even life-threatening.
Gases
People with irritable bowel syndrome may have problems after consuming beans. In addition, flatulence, although not too harmful to our health, can still cause discomfort.
Bean dishes
All over the world, every country has its specific bean dish. So you can make all kinds of dishes and salads without adding meat.
Beans can be used as a side dish with rice or another source of carbohydrates. Some countries prepare it as vatery beans or a goose version called “Baked beans.”
And last but not least, refried beans. As we have already mentioned, this dish is characteristic of Mexico and Pinto beans are traditionally used.
For this traditional recipe, the beans are mashed to obtain an invariant mass after cooking. Prepared in this way, it can be used in different ways and even as a spread.
Final thoughts
Beans as a plant with exceptional characteristics have been shown and proven in fairy tales and folk tales.
In them, it represents an extraordinary grain that encourages spiritually courageous undertakings, opens the door to incredible adventures and symbolizes growth.
The bean was a creeper mainly used as a plant grown alongside corn.
It left the impression of an unusual plant – first of all, with its shape, first leaves and rapid growth. Because of these, it is associated with some magical plants.
We hope that you find the original recipe for preparing this magical vegetable and it will become a regular part of your diet because deserves it.
Read also: Can You Freeze Crepes? / Can You Eat Raw Zucchini?
