Anasazi Dietary Staple: Anasazi Beans

Where To Buy Anasazi Beans

Anasazi beans are a type of beans that were originally cultivated by the Anasazi tribe in areas such as the dry region of southwestern Colorado. They measure half an inch long and have purply-red splotches that are sprawled on a white background when freshly harvested. When it becomes dried, the white background turns brownish in color. Likewise, it fades to beige after it’s cooked.

With a name that means “ancient ones,” Anasazi beans are known for their mild flavor and firm texture. They make a hearty addition to soups and casseroles. This type of beans can replace the pinto beans needed in any recipe. They are wonderfully versatile because of their ability to absorb the flavors of any type of seasoning.

Culinary Legend

Legend says that the beans were found in the ruins of the Anasazi tribe’s dwellings in the 1900s. However, it is highly likely that the beans were continuously grown in American Southwest just like how they are being grown today.

One story claims that the roots of the beans were uncovered in the summer of 1956. During that time, a team of archaeologists was exploring a site located near the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde. They found clay pots that are filled with seed beans which remained viable even after 600 years.

Popularity In Recipes

Anasazi beans are popular in most Southwestern recipes particularly soups. Other recipe types wherein Anasazi beans make an ideal ingredient include Tex-Mex fare, baked bean dishes and for serving and cooking along with rice.

Why Use Anasazi Beans

Anasazi beans offer a number of the same healthful advantages brought by other dried beans. However, they have other subtle differences that are worth taking note of.

According to laboratory test results, the Anasazi beans have a lower content of “gas forming” carbohydrates by up to 75 percent which is a welcome albeit not widely known benefit. With increased levels of natural sugar, the beans have a noticeable sweeter taste compared to other beans. Such level of sweetness allow the beans to have some added flexibility that make them go beyond being used in traditional bean dishes. Anasazi beans are definitely suitable to a broad range of recipes including cakes and breads.

Anasazi Beans Trademark

The name “Anasazi Beans” was trademarked by agronomist Bruce Riddell and Ernis Waller, an accountant get more info from California. The beans were launched commercially in 1993.

Breeders at the Colorado State University as well as the USDA-ARS had improved the Anasazi Bean and were able to increase yields and enhance its resistance to diseases.

Where To Buy

Buying Anasazi beans can be as easy as a click of the mouse. Most people prefer buying the beans online since they find it more convenient and cheaper. Amazon, Ebay, and Walmart are just some of the stores where you can purchase the Anasazi beans online. Other sites where the Anasazi beans are also available for purchase include AnasaziBeans.com; NorthbayTrading.com; GourmetFoodWorld.com; Shop.GoldmineNaturalFoods.com; iGourmet.com; and more.

Anasazi beans are also available in most farmers market. You can find them in Boulder Farmers Market, Longmont Farmers Market, Colorado Fresh Markets, and so much more. It’s best to buy beans during the peak summer season months of June until August.

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