History:
– Term “Navy bean” originated from its use by the US Navy in the mid-1800s
– Navy bean production in Australia increased during World War II for American troops
– Kingaroy in Australia is known as the Baked Bean Capital
– Another name for navy beans during WWII was the Yankee bean
– Navy beans are served in various dishes like baked beans and Senate bean soup
Cultivars:
– Rainy River is a navy bean resistant to bean common mosaic virus
– Michelite has higher yields and better seed quality than Robust
– Sanilac is the first bush navy bean cultivar
– Navy bean cultivars vary in disease resistance and seed quality
– Different cultivars offer varying yields and seed characteristics
Other white beans:
– Cannellini beans are white kidney beans popular in Italy
– Lima beans are also known as Butter Beans
– Great northern beans are larger than navy beans and used in various dishes
– Runner beans are large white beans known as “gígantes” in Greece
– Marrow beans have a bacon-like flavor and were popular in baked beans in the US
Nutritional value:
– White beans are rich in phosphatidylserine
– Navy beans have high levels of apigenin
– Consumption of navy beans may lower cholesterol levels
– Saponins in navy beans have antibacterial and anti-fungal properties
– Navy beans are a rich source of ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid
Storage and safety:
– Dried and canned navy beans should be stored in a cool, dark place
– Properly stored navy bean seeds can last for years
– Avoid discolored beans as they may indicate poor handling
– Maintain a temperature under 75°F (24°C) for optimal storage
– Canned navy beans should be used before the expiration date
The navy bean, haricot bean, pearl haricot bean, Boston bean, white pea bean, or pea bean is a variety of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) native to the Americas, where it was first domesticated. It is a dry white bean that is smaller than many other types of white beans, and has an oval, slightly flattened shape. It features in such dishes as baked beans, various soups such as Senate bean soup, and even pies.
| Navy Bean | |
|---|---|
| Species | Phaseolus vulgaris |
 | |
| Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) | |
|---|---|
| Energy | 1,468 kJ (351 kcal) |
60.75 g | |
| Sugars | 3.88 g |
| Dietary fiber | 4.3 g |
1.5 g | |
22.33 g | |
| †Percentages estimated using US recommendations for adults, except for potassium, which is estimated based on expert recommendation from the National Academies. | |
The green bean plants that produce navy beans may be either of the bush type or vining type, depending on which cultivar they are.