Legume
Black Turtle
A tier
Black turtle beans are small, shiny black common beans with dense texture and deep, almost mushroomy bean flavour—the reference black bean for Latin American soups, gallo pinto, and Caribbean stews. They hold shape yet cream internally when cooked right. Simmer for black bean soup, frijoles negros, and rice-and-beans. Mash for dips and veggie burgers. A little acidity at the end brightens the dark pot.
Track this ingredient
Unit
Characteristics
Preparations
RefriedRice and BeansSaladSoup
Traits
Creamy InteriorDeep FlavourDenseEarthyHolds ShapeLatin StapleSmall Black
History
Black turtle-type beans became staples in Caribbean and Latin American cookery.
US
US dry-bean agriculture standardised black turtle as a market class.
Black turtle remained the culinary default black bean.