What's On This Page
We know now that for us, Cannellini Beans (white kidney beans) are going to be a specific challenge this year. Declining seed quality and profits vs other beans have made growers reticient to plant.
Over the last decade Argentina has won a lot of that business, substituting the Alubia white bean for Canada's product. Unfortunately the last two years, Argentina production has been devastated leading to a significant global shortage for this class of bean.
So whilst we hunt around the world for a replacement supply that is high quality and doesn't require heat treatment, we thought it useful to articulate again the different types of white beans that can be substituted.
Note that all of the other major producers of medium/large white beans aside from Canada and USA require heat treatment upon import into Australia.
Great Northern Beans
Larger than Navy Beans but smaller than Cannellini beans, medium-sized Great Northern beans are known for their mild, nutty flavor and firm flesh. Great in soups and stews, they hold their shape better than Navy beans, take on the flavors of the foods they’re cooked with, and are commonly used in French cassoulets.
Cannellini Beans
They are the largest of the group and because of their traditional kidney shape, they can also be referred to as White Kidney Beans. Meatier than Navy or Great Northern beans, they have a nutty, earthy flavor and tender flesh, and are often used in Italian dishes like Minestrone. They retain their shape and texture well, so they’re perfect to use in salads, soups, stews, and chili.
Navy (Haricot) Beans
Also called pea beans, Navy beans are small, oval-shaped, and quick-cooking. Because they get creamy when cooked, they’re perfect for mashing against the side of the pot, pureeing in dips, and thickening soups, stews, ragouts, and more. They have a mild flavor and are the bean of choice for classic Boston baked beans, Navy Bean Chowder, and quintessential South Louisiana-Style White Beans & Rice. Interestingly, the Navy bean name comes from its use as a food staple by the U.S. Navy in the early 1900s. While all beans are high in fiber, Navy beans have the most — 19 grams per cup!
Lima (Butter) Beans
Also called “butter beans”, Lima beans are small, smooth, and creamy with a rich, buttery texture. You could be seeing Large Lima or Baby Lima varieties out there. They’re starchier than other beans and are often used in soups, stews, succotash, and casseroles, or just cooked simply with herbs and spices. In the south, they’re often cooked with ham or bacon and served over rice.
White Bean Substitutes
The reality is that even though the different varieties have slightly different flavors and sizes, (and everyone has their personal favorites), they’re often used interchangeably in recipes. So, for example, if a recipe calls for Cannellinis, and you only have Great Northerns on hand, your dish will still come out fine and taste delicious. So try them all to see which you like best, and enjoy.
Comparing White Bean Types
Nutritional data provided by USDA and rounded to nearest percent. Size data provided by TFB Trading, refers to length of bean rounded to nearest mm.
Navy (Haricot) Beans vs Great Northern Beans
Navy Beans have 2% more protein than Great Northern Beans.
Great Northern Beans have 24% less fat than Navy Beans.
Great Northern Beans have 30% more dietary fibre than Navy Beans.
Great Northern Beans are 40% larger than Navy Beans.
Navy (Haricot) Beans vs Cannellini Beans
Navy Beans have 5% less protein than Cannellini Beans.
Cannellini Beans have 40% less fat than Navy Beans.
Navy Beans have similiar dietary fibre to Cannellini Beans.
Cannellini Beans are 65% larger than Navy Beans.
Navy (Haricot Beans) vs Lima (Butter) Beans
Navy Beans have 4% more protein than Lima Beans.
Lima Beans have 50% less fat than Navy Beans.
Lima Beans have 25% more fiber than Navy Beans.
Lima Beans are 130% larger than Navy Beans.
Great Northern Beans vs Cannellini Beans
Cannellini Beans have 7% more protein than Great Northern Beans.
Cannellini Beans have 25% less fat than Great Northern Beans.
Great Northern Beans have 25% more fiber than Cannellini Beans.
Cannellini Beans are 15% larger than Great Northern Beans.
Great Northern Beans vs Lima (Butter) Beans
Great Northern Beans have 2% more protein than Lima Beans.
Lima Beans have 40% less fat than Great Northern Beans.
Great Northern Beans have 6% more fiber than Lima Beans.
Lima Beans are about 60% larger than Great Northern Beans.
Cannellini Beans vs Lima (Butter) Beans
Cannellini Beans have 9% more protein than Lima Beans.
Cannellini Beans have 23% more fat than Lima Beans.
Lima Beans have about 20% more fiber than Cannellini Beans.
Lima Beans are about 30% larger than Cannellini Beans.
Comments