Cave Bean
Legumes
Nutri-ScoreA

Cave Bean

Phaseolus vulgaris

Clinical Encyclopedia

SM
Nutri-Score & Health Summary

Cave Bean provides 127 kcal, 8.7g of protein, 22.8g of carbohydrates, and 6.4g of fiber per 100g. With a Nutri-Score grade 'A', it is a highly recommended option for nutrient density.

Cave beans are a nutrient-dense legume known for their high protein and fiber content, making them an excellent choice for plant-based diets. They are low in fat and have a low glycemic index, which supports stable blood sugar levels.

Also known as:
Cave BeanBlack Turtle Bean
Scientific NamePhaseolus vulgaris
Region of OriginCentral America

Macronutrient Ratio

Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g

Calories127 kcal
Water
10.2%
Fiber6.4g
Total32.0g
Protein
8.7g(27%)
Fats
0.5g(2%)
Carbohydrates
22.8g(71%)

Micronutrient DV% Score

Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value

Vitamins (DV%)
Minerals (DV%)

Complete Micronutrient Breakdown

Detailed concentration of essential micronutrients per 100g serving.

Vitamins

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Vitamin C1.5 mg (2%)
Vitamin K2.9 µg (2%)
Vitamins with less than 2% DV
Vitamin A: 2 µg

Minerals

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Potassium400 mg (11%)
Magnesium30 mg (8%)
Iron1.5 mg (8%)
Minerals with less than 2% DVNone registered

Health Benefits

Rich in protein, cave beans provide essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair and growth.
High fiber content aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness, which can assist in weight management.
Low glycemic index helps regulate blood sugar levels, making them suitable for diabetics.
Packed with vitamins and minerals, cave beans support overall health and immune function.

Possible Risks & Side Effects

!Excessive consumption may lead to digestive discomfort due to high fiber content.
!Raw or undercooked beans can contain toxins that may cause nausea or other gastrointestinal issues.

How to Prepare & Consume

Cave beans should be soaked and cooked thoroughly to eliminate toxins. They can be added to soups, stews, or salads for added nutrition.

Smart Selection & Storage

How to Select

Choose cave beans that are dry, firm, and free from cracks or blemishes. Avoid beans with a dull appearance or signs of moisture.

How to Store

Store cave beans in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. Cooked beans can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.

Myths vs Realities

MythCave beans are not nutritious.
RealityCave beans are actually very nutritious, providing high levels of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.
MythYou can eat cave beans raw.
RealityRaw cave beans contain toxins that can cause gastrointestinal distress; they must be cooked thoroughly.
MythAll beans are the same nutritionally.
RealityDifferent beans have varying nutritional profiles; cave beans are particularly high in protein and fiber.

Healthy Recipes

Cave Bean and Quinoa Salad

A refreshing salad combining protein-rich cave beans and nutty quinoa, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked cave beans
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1/2 cup diced cucumber
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked cave beans and quinoa.
  2. 2. Add the diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and parsley.
  3. 3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine and serve chilled.

Spicy Cave Bean Tacos

These flavorful tacos feature spiced cave beans topped with fresh avocado and cilantro, offering a healthy twist on a classic dish.

Ingredients
  • 1 can cave beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 8 corn tortillas
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
  1. 1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add cave beans, chili powder, and cumin, and cook until heated through.
  2. 2. Warm the corn tortillas in a separate pan.
  3. 3. Assemble tacos by filling tortillas with spiced cave beans, topping with avocado slices and cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.

Cave Bean and Vegetable Stir-Fry

A vibrant stir-fry featuring cave beans and colorful vegetables, tossed in a light soy sauce for a quick and nutritious meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked cave beans
  • 1 cup mixed bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
  2. 2. Add the bell peppers and broccoli, stir-frying for about 5 minutes.
  3. 3. Stir in the cooked cave beans and soy sauce, cooking for an additional 2 minutes before serving.

Cave Bean Hummus

A nutritious twist on traditional hummus, this cave bean version is creamy and packed with protein, perfect for dipping veggies or spreading on toast.

Ingredients
  • 1 can cave beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic
  • Salt to taste
  • Water as needed
Instructions
  1. 1. In a food processor, combine cave beans, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt.
  2. 2. Blend until smooth, adding water as needed to reach desired consistency.
  3. 3. Serve with fresh vegetables or whole-grain pita chips.

Cave Bean and Sweet Potato Curry

A hearty and warming curry featuring cave beans and sweet potatoes, simmered in coconut milk and spices for a comforting meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 can cave beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 large sweet potato, diced
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
  2. 2. Add diced sweet potato and curry powder, stirring to coat.
  3. 3. Pour in coconut milk and add cave beans, simmering until sweet potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.

Cave Bean and Spinach Stuffed Peppers

Colorful bell peppers stuffed with a nutritious mixture of cave beans, spinach, and spices, baked to perfection for a healthy meal.

Ingredients
  • 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
  • 1 cup cooked cave beans
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 cup cooked rice
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2. In a bowl, mix cave beans, spinach, rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Stuff the mixture into halved bell peppers, top with cheese if using, and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Cave Bean and Avocado Toast

A simple yet delicious avocado toast topped with seasoned cave beans, making for a nutritious breakfast or snack.

Ingredients
  • 2 slices whole-grain bread
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1/2 cup cooked cave beans
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. Toast the whole-grain bread until golden brown.
  2. 2. In a bowl, mash the avocado with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Spread the avocado mixture on the toast, top with cave beans, and sprinkle with red pepper flakes.

Cave Bean and Zucchini Fritters

Crispy and flavorful fritters made with cave beans and zucchini, perfect as a healthy appetizer or snack.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked cave beans
  • 1 medium zucchini, grated
  • 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for frying
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, combine cave beans, grated zucchini, flour, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. 2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the pan.
  3. 3. Fry until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Cave Bean and Tomato Soup

A comforting and nutritious soup made with cave beans and fresh tomatoes, perfect for a cozy meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 can cave beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Basil for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
  2. 2. Add diced tomatoes and vegetable broth, bringing to a boil.
  3. 3. Stir in cave beans and simmer for 15 minutes. Blend if desired, and garnish with basil before serving.

Cave Bean and Brown Rice Bowl

A wholesome bowl featuring cave beans, brown rice, and a variety of colorful veggies, drizzled with a tangy dressing.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked cave beans
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1 cup steamed broccoli
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large bowl, combine cooked cave beans, brown rice, broccoli, and carrots.
  2. 2. Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil, tossing to combine.
  3. 3. Serve warm, garnished with sesame seeds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are cave beans?

Cave beans are a type of legume known for their high protein and fiber content, often used in various culinary dishes.

How do I cook cave beans?

Soak cave beans overnight, then boil them for 1-2 hours until tender. They can also be cooked in a pressure cooker for faster results.

Are cave beans good for weight loss?

Yes, their high fiber content promotes satiety, which can help control appetite and support weight loss efforts.

Can I eat cave beans raw?

No, raw cave beans contain toxins that can be harmful. Always cook them thoroughly before consumption.

What nutrients are in cave beans?

Cave beans are rich in protein, fiber, potassium, magnesium, and iron, making them a nutritious addition to any diet.

How do cave beans affect blood sugar?

Cave beans have a low glycemic index, which helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, making them suitable for diabetics.

Can I freeze cooked cave beans?

Yes, cooked cave beans can be frozen for up to 6 months. Ensure they are stored in airtight containers.

What dishes can I make with cave beans?

Cave beans can be used in soups, stews, salads, and even as a meat substitute in various recipes.