Availablity

• Black beans and kidney beans are grown in many different locations. They're sold in cans or dried. Dried beans are pre-packaged or sold in bulk.

Identification

• Kidney beans are dark maroon in color, or a pale pink less-vivid version. Their name describes their shape. Black beans are small, oval and jet black. Their flesh is cream colored.

Kidney Bean Uses

• Kidney beans have a strong flavor of their own and pick up other flavors well. Either type of kidney bean can be used in hot or cold recipes. They marinate well and make a good addition to stews. Kidney beans are commonly used in chili. Their color and texture work well with the other spicy ingredients

Black Bean Uses

• Black beans have a mild, sweet taste and a soft texture. They lend themselves well to soups, stews and sauces. They're most often used in the cuisine of the Caribbean, Latin America, or Southwestern United States.

Nutritional Value

• 1 cup of cooked, boiled black beans contains 227 calories, 0.9g fat and 15g fiber.
  1 cup of cooked, boiled kidney beans contains 225 calories, 0.8g fat,and 11.3g fiber.