by Sarah
Cannellini, Great Northern and Navy are three popular types of white beans and in this article we compare them. One could confuse them as being the same. So, what’s the difference between them? Read on to find out more about white beans compared…
Cannellini beansare large white beans that have a traditional kidney bean shape. With a slightly nutty taste and mild earthiness, they have a relatively thin skin, with a tender, creamy flesh. They hold their shape well and are one of the best white beans for salads.
Navy beansare small, oval shaped white beans that cook relatively quickly (which, as Aliza Green notes inThe Bean Bible, has made them popular with commercial baked bean manufacturers). Known as Boston beans, the white coco, pea beans or Navy beans are perfect for dishes that don’t need the full bean shape to shine: purees, soups, stews and baked beans are some of the frequent dishes.
Great Northern beansare smaller than cannellinis and and suitable for any number of uses such as salads, soups, stews and purees. Their texture is slightly grainy, with a nutty, dense flavor. Popular in North America, its namesake Great Northerns look like white baby lima beans.
It’s great to know the differences between the three and it’s worth paying more attention to them when you’re using dried beans. Truthfully though, when we use canned white beans, these three can almost always be used interchangeably when looking at kinds of white beans compared.
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Author
Sarah
Sarah is known for her extra fancy yeast breads, melt in your mouth pies, and everything salads. She has won awards as a home cook, and is passionate about helping others feel smarter in the kitchen. Sarah is the cooking genius of the sister duo.
I'm an avid enthusiast and expert in the realm of culinary arts, particularly in the diverse world of legumes and beans. My expertise spans a range of culinary topics, with a focus on ingredients, flavors, and their applications in various dishes. I've delved deep into the nuances of different bean varieties, their taste profiles, and best culinary uses. Allow me to share my insights on the concepts mentioned in the article you provided.
Cannellini Beans: Cannellini beans are large, kidney-shaped white beans known for their traditional appearance and versatile applications. With a slightly nutty taste and mild earthiness, these beans have a thin skin and a tender, creamy flesh. They maintain their shape well, making them ideal for salads. Their distinct flavor adds depth to various dishes.
Navy Beans: Navy beans, also known as Boston beans, white coco, pea beans, or simply Navy beans, are small, oval-shaped white beans. They are prized for their quick cooking time, which has contributed to their popularity in commercial baked bean manufacturing. These beans are perfect for dishes where the full bean shape is not necessary, such as purees, soups, stews, and baked beans.
Great Northern Beans: Great Northern beans, smaller than cannellinis, are versatile and suitable for a variety of culinary uses, including salads, soups, stews, and purees. They have a slightly grainy texture and a nutty, dense flavor. Popular in North America, these beans resemble white baby lima beans in appearance.
Interchangeability of Canned White Beans: The article suggests that when using canned white beans, such as Cannellini, Navy, and Great Northern, they can often be used interchangeably. This is due to the fact that the canning process softens the beans, making the differences in texture less noticeable. While each type contributes its unique flavor profile, in many recipes, the choice between these beans can depend on personal preference or availability.
Author Sarah's Expertise: Sarah, the author, is renowned for her culinary skills, particularly in crafting extra fancy yeast breads, melt-in-your-mouth pies, and innovative salads. With awards as a home cook, Sarah is recognized for her passion for making others feel more knowledgeable in the kitchen. As the cooking genius of a sister duo, her insights into the world of beans and culinary arts likely stem from hands-on experience and a deep understanding of ingredients and their applications.
In conclusion, understanding the differences between Cannellini, Navy, and Great Northern beans allows for more informed and creative culinary choices, whether in salads, soups, stews, or purees. The interchangeability of canned white beans adds a level of convenience without compromising the overall flavor and texture of the dishes.
