Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large, dark red bean, typically dried: A kidney bean is a specific type of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) characterized by its distinctive kidney shape, dark red color, and is most often sold and used in its dried form.
   • The common bean plant cultivated for its seeds: This refers to the plant itself, particularly a variety grown primarily for producing these large, kidney-shaped beans rather than for harvesting the immature pods as green beans.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • This chili recipe calls for one cup of soaked kidney beans.
  • The farmer decided to plant kidney beans this season because of their high market demand.

Advanced Usage

• "Red kidney bean": A common full name used to specify the variety, often to distinguish it from other types like white kidney beans (cannellini beans).
  • For this salad, you can use either red kidney beans or black beans.

Variants and Related Words

• Common bean (): The broader species to which the kidney bean belongs.
• Cannellini bean: A large white kidney bean, often considered a variant.
• Legume: The general family of plants that includes beans, peas, and lentils.

Synonyms

• Haricot bean (in broader contexts, though this can refer to other types of common beans).

Notes on Usage

• Important: Raw or undercooked kidney beans contain a toxin called phytohaemagglutinin. They must be boiled vigorously for at least 10 minutes to destroy this toxin. Using a slow cooker without prior boiling is not safe.
• Kidney beans are a staple in many cuisines, famously used in dishes like chili con carne, red beans and rice, and various Indian curries and salads.

Noun

1. large dark red bean; usually dried
2. the common bean plant grown for the beans rather than the pods (especially a variety with large red kidney-shaped beans)