Great Northern Beans
The Great Northern Bean is a large off-white bean with a mild flavor and a slightly grainy texture. Closely related to the kidney bean, it holds its shape well when cooked, making it ideal for soups, salads and baked beans.
Suggested uses
Basic prep
Sort carefully and rinse thoroughly. Soak overnight. Rinse and place in a large pot, covered with fresh water. Bring water to a boil for 3 minutes, reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 60 to 90 minutes, until tender. This bean produces foam when boiling, so skim the water regularly.
Storage & handling
Store in a dry, cool place.
Ingredients
Great northern beans.
The Great Northern bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is a member of the legume family, closely related to the kidney bean. Like all beans, they originated in Peru, and spread throughout the Americas due to Spanish exploration. While the origin of its name is unclear, it may have come from the bean's larger size (about 1/2 inch in length) and the fact they are commonly grown in the northern part of the Midwest.
While similar in appearance and a good substitute for navy beans in many recipes, great Northern beans have some distinct differences, including a grainier texture and a better ability to hold their shape when cooked, making them ideal for soups, salads and casseroles. They are often used commercially in baked beans and soups.
Great Northern beans are high in protein, providing more than a third of the daily requirement per serving. They contain up to half of the daily requirement for iron, as well as high levels of folates and one third to half of a day's fiber
Classic recipe
Boston Baked Great Northern Beans
Great Northern Beans are what builds traditional Boston baked beans. Flavored with three sweeteners: maple syrup, brown sugar and molasses. Precook the Great Northern Beans to tender for proper results.
