What is the origin of phrase he know beans from apple butter?

The phrase originated from rural America in the 1800s. During that time, beans and apple butter were common household staples. Beans were a cheap and easy-to-grow food source, while apple butter was a sweet spread made from apples. However, beans and apple butter are very different in appearance, and it is impossible to mistake one for the other. Therefore, the phrase "he doesn't know beans from apple butter" came to be used to describe someone who is very ignorant or naive.