Black turtle beans are a type of common bean that is native to the Americas. They get their name from their shiny, black, turtle-like shells. They are small, oval shaped, and have a dense and meaty texture, and earthy flavor, nutty and slightly sweet. They are a good source of protein, dietary fiber, and various vitamins and minerals, including iron, potassium, and B vitamins. They are particularly high in folate.
Black turtle beans are widely used in Mexican and Latin American cuisine. They are most often cooked in soups, stews, chili and in a popular dish call 'frijoles negros' which is a traditional Cuban dish of black beans cooked with onions, peppers, garlic, cumin and oregano. They also can be used in refried beans, tacos, burritos and many other dishes.
