USDBC Frequently Asked Questions1>Nutrition and Health

  1. How can I reduce the flatulence- and gas-causing properties of dry beans?
  2. How many beans should I eat in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle?
  3. I know that beans are a good source of fiber, but is it soluble or insoluble fiber?
  4. I am a vegetarian/vegan, so I eat beans for protein. But, I have heard that beans do not provide a complete protein on their own. What can I do to get complete proteins into my diet?
  5. I maintain a gluten-free diet, and my doctor recommended that I substitute beans and bean flour for wheat products, which contain gluten. Where can I find more information about the benefits of beans in keeping a gluten-free diet?

Bean Preparation and Recipe Tips

  1. If my recipe calls for pintos, can I substitute a different bean?
  2. How long should I soak dry beans?
  3. How long should I cook dry beans?
  4. How long can I store dry beans?
  5. How long can I keep cooked beans?
  6. I soaked and cooked some dry beans that I had left in the pantry, but they didn't soften after cooking. Why?
  7. How can I tell if dry beans are fresh?
  8. If I microwave my beans will they cook faster?
  9. Can I cook beans in a pressure cooker?
  10. How can I add extra flavor to my bean dishes?

Production

  1. Which U.S. states are the top producers of dry beans?
  2. What are the most popular dry beans (U.S. per capita use)?
  3. Where can I find information about the kinds of dry beans produced in each U.S. state?
  4. How many acres of dry beans are planted annually in the U.S.?
  5. Are there resources for data on acreage, yield, production, disappearance, price, and values of beans in the U.S.?
  6. How large a role does bean production play in the U.S. economy?
  7. What is the role of the U.S. in global production of dry beans?
  8. What percentage of U.S.-grown dry bean crops is exported to other countries?
  9. What is the global production of dry beans?
  10. Can dry beans be farmed using environmentally sustainable methods?
  11. What is the per capita bean consumption in the U.S.?
  12. Is there current research in regard to dry beans?

History & Culture

  1. How long have beans been grown in the U.S.?
  2. Where can I find more historical information about dry beans?
  3. How long is the growing season for dry beans in the U.S.?
  4. Why has bean production in the U.S. increased so dramatically over the last 60 years?

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