Season: July to October
Description: Pinto beans provide fiber and protein. Fiber helps control cholesterol and keeps you regular and protein helps build and repair muscle tissue. Beans also provide potassium, magnesium and folate. Potassium helps maintain healthy blood pressure. Folate may reduce your risk of heart disease. Eating foods with folate before pregnancy helps lower the risk of delivering a baby with neural tube defects.
Selection: If dried beans, select those that are dry, firm, uniform in color, and are not shriveled. If canned beans, select those with less sodium.
Storing: Store dried beans in a closed container at room temperature. Store canned beans at room temperature and use before the expiration date on the can.
