Black beans: Are commonly referred to as

Black beans are commonly referred to as turtle beans, probably in reference to their shiny, dark, shell-like appearance. Along with a rich smoky flavor that has been compared to mushrooms, black beans have a velvety texture, yet hold their shape well during cooking. Black beans are nutrient-rich legumes that can lower disease risk, fight cancer, improve heart health and aid digestion. Learn how to cook, eat and enjoy these versatile and inexpensive beans . Find out what nutrients are in black beans and learn how they can help everything from eye health to weight control. Black Beans Nutrition facts Black beans , characterized by their small size and deep black skin, belong to the legume family Fabaceae. They are a staple ingredient in traditional Latin American, Caribbean, and Southwestern (U.S.) dishes. Taxonomically, black beans are part of the common bean family (Fabaceae), specifically in the genus Vicia, with the scientific name Phaseolus vulgaris. They are also known by various synonyms including Turtle beans , caviar criollo, and frijoles negros.