Beans

Beans are among the oldest of foods and today are considered an important staple for millions of people. They are important in the diet, and easy on the budget.

Dried beans and peas are excellent home storage items, since they store well and furnish good nutrition. The kinds recommended for storage would be a matter of personal preference. Varieties and usage differ in various parts of the country.

Pinto Beans are considered in the Legume Family of food species. As a group of legumes contain approximately twice as much protein as cereal grains and on a per-serving basis, about half as much protein as lean meat. To get the most nutritional return, the incomplete protein derived from these foods should be combined with the complete protein from meat, eggs or dairy products. Beans and peas are low in fat and high in carbohydrates. They are good sources of iron, thiamine, and contain some riboflavin.

The legume family also includes nuts, which, although a good source of protein, are seldom eaten in large enough quantities to contribute in great deal to protein in the diet. Perhaps the old standby, the peanut better and jelly sandwich, deserves more credit that it is given.