Beans & Pulses

Cow Peas are sometimes referred to as Black Eye Peas or Black Eye Beans. They are pale coloured legumes with a prominent black spot or ‘eye’. Used in traditional dishes throughout the world, Cow Peas feature in Caribbean, African, Indian, Latin American and Mediterranean cuisine. Cow Peas are associated with good luck in many cultures; In some southern states of America eating Cow Peas on New Year’s Day is said to bring prosperity throughout the year ahead.

The Crabeye Bean is another name for the Borlotti Bean, also known as the Roman Bean or Romano Bean. It is a variety of cranberry bean bred in Italy to have a thicker skin. It is used in Italian, Portuguese, Turkish, and Greek cuisine.

The cranberry bean is a variety of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) first bred in Colombia. The bean is a medium to large bean beige coloured bean splashed or streaked with red, magenta, or black – this interesting colouring is lost when the beans are cooked as they turn to a light brown colour.

Dark Red Kidney Beans are named for their visual resemblance to a kidney, both in shape and colour. Red Kidney Beans are sometimes confused with other beans that are red, such as adzuki beans. Commonly used in dishes such as Chili con Carne and traditional dishes in northern regions of India and Pakistan.

Dark Speckled Kidney Beans are sometimes known as Black Speckled Beans. They are large purple beans with a black mottling or speckled effect. The Dark Speckled Kidney Bean is also sometimes known as The Scarlet Runner Bean and the Oregon Lima Bean. With a great nutty flavour they are often used in soups, salads and ragus. As with most others, these legumes are low in saturated fat and high in protein and fiber.

Dun Peas, also known as Field Peas, are one of the oldest domesticated crops and have been cultivated for at least 7000 years. Dun Peas are dimpled in appearance and have a greenish-brown colour. Dun Peas can be added to soups and stews or fried and roasted to produce snack foods.

Dutch Brown Beans or as they are known in The Netherlands, Bruine Bonen, are a plum oval-shaped bean with a caramel brown coloured skin. Dutch Brown Beans retain their shape and colour when cooked. Often served with rice or in a soup, Dutch Brown Beans have a rich buttery taste.

Eston Lentils, also be known as Small Green Lentils, have a mild earthy flavour and a slight speckled appearance. Used in soups and stews in cuisines all over the world to add flavour and as a thickener. Lentils contain high levels of fibre and are a great source of protein.

Faba beans, or as they are sometimes known fava beans, are common in many cuisines especially in Latin America. As a variety of the broad bean, Faba Beans are also popular in European cuisine and Sichuan cuisine

The flageolet bean is a variety of the common bean originating from France. It is small, light green and kidney-shaped. The texture is firm and creamy when shelled and cooked.