What’s the Difference Between White Beans and Chickpeas?
White beans, also known as cannellini beans, are an extremely nutritious and versatile type of bean. They’re typically made from the immature seeds of the common white bean plant, and they’re also referred to as fava beans, field beans, or common beans.
White beans are typically used in Italian and French cuisine, where they may be used fresh or in a variety of dishes. Here’s what you need to know about white beans and chickpeas.
White beans and chickpeas are two types of the common bean species.
Although they both come from the genus Phaseolus (meaning “little harvester”), they are different enough that they cannot be substituted for each other.
The most obvious way to tell them apart is by their color. White beans are typically a creamy white color, while chickpeas are brown.
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between white beans and chickpeas, including nutritional content, storage, and usage. We’ll also compare white beans and chickpeas by type and discuss their similarities and distinctions.
What’s the Difference Between White Beans and Chickpeas?
Both white beans and chickpeas are members of the legume family, but there are several key differences between the two. The first and most obvious difference is color. White beans are lighter in color than chickpeas, with white being the most common color.
Chickpeas are also more widely used in Indian cuisine due to their stronger flavor and brown color, while white beans are more commonly found in European cuisine.
The second and less apparent difference between white beans and chickpeas is their nutritional content. White beans contain more protein than chickpeas, a nutrient that is often recommended for people following a vegetarian or vegan diet.
White beans are also a better source of dietary fiber, B vitamins, and iron than chickpeas.
In addition to their nutritional differences, white beans and chickpeas also differ in taste, texture, and aroma. White beans tend to be smoother, milder, and more refined than chickpeas.
Nutritional Content
The majority of the nutritional differences between white beans and chickpeas come from the fact that they come from different varieties of the same species of plant. In general, white beans provide more protein than chickpeas, a nutrient that is often recommended for people following a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Both white beans and chickpeas are excellent sources of dietary fiber and minerals, including manganese, magnesium, niacin, and phosphorus.
White beans are also rich in other important vitamins and nutrients, including vitamin B1 (thiamin), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, and folate.
Bean Cooking Methods
Another important difference between white beans and chickpeas is the cooking method. Chickpeas are often eaten whole, fresh, uncooked, and in their raw state. White beans, on the other hand, are typically cooked.
There are many different ways to cook beans, including boiling, baking, or roasting. Cooking beans in a particular way can change their flavor and nutritional content.
Roasting is a common way to prepare white beans, but it is not the only way. Boiling and pressure cooking are two other cooking methods that can be used to prepare white beans.
Bean Varieties and Their Uses
The variety of bean that determines its nutritional content and suitability for a particular use. This is why there are many different types of beans: in order to meet the dietary needs of an array of people, farmers grow many different varieties of the same species of plant.
In addition to their nutritional content, the variety of beans can also impact their texture and flavor. Some varieties are more refined than others, meaning they have a smoother texture and less flavor.
Some of the most common varieties of white beans include:
Cannellini beans – A type of white bean that is particularly popular in Italian cuisine. Cannellini beans are often sold canned or in a Tetra pack.
Great northern beans – A type of white bean that is often used in American cuisine.
Lima beans – A type of white bean that is most often eaten raw or in a can, and are often sold as a garnish with Mexican food.
Storage and Shelf Life
The storage life of beans is typically quite long, but it depends on whether or not you buy them by the case. In general, small cans of beans can be stored for a year or more, while bulk beans should be eaten within 6 months.
If you buy beans by the case, you’ll have to store them in a cool, dark, dry place. Avoid storing them in the pantry because temperatures there tend to be higher than in the basement.
You can also freeze beans for longer storage, but be sure to let them thaw before using, as frozen beans are harder to rehydrate.
Conclusion
Both white beans and chickpeas are members of the legume family, but they are different enough that they cannot be substituted for each other. The most obvious way to tell them apart is by their color. White beans are typically a creamy white color, while chickpeas are brown.
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between white beans and chickpeas, including nutritional content, storage, and usage. We’ll also compare white beans and chickpeas by type and discuss their similarities and distinctions.