Black beans vs. Pinto Beans - What's the Difference?

Beans, beans and more beans!

Beans are incorporated into most of our meals. They have been known to make or break a meal. Bean cultivation began in Peru and later began to grow in varieties all over the world.

Beans can provide multiple health benefits, such as potentially reducing cholesterol, blood sugar levels, etc. Among the healthiest beans we have are black beans and pinto beans.

So what is the difference between black beans and pinto beans? The most distinctive factor between the two is the nutritional value and color. Black beans have more nutritional value and higher fat content than pinto beans. Also, pinto beans have dark brown spots on a brown background, while black beans are shiny and black in color.

If you want to know more about the common and uncommon differences between black and kidney beans, keep reading!

What are black beans?

Black beans are also known as turtle beans because of their hard outer shell and are about 2.5 cm long. The first cultivation of black beans dates back to South America about 7,000 years ago.

Black beans are the seeds of the plant family called Fabaceae. These beans are a shiny black color that is actually a deep purple, with a white dot in the center commonly known as a keel.

They are similar in shape to red kidney beans. Black beans are sweet, creamy, and have an earthy, meaty flavor. Black beans can substitute for meat in a vegetarian diet.

These beans are common in American and Mexican cuisines. They are served in stews, burritos and sauces. No one can do without black bean soup.

The health benefits of black beans can reduce the risk of various health problems. They are rich in fiber, protein and carbohydrates. In addition, they also contain 15.2 grams of protein and 15 grams of fiber. 

What are pinto beans?

Pinto beans are also known as “Poroto Frutilla” in South America, which means “strawberry beans” . In Spanish, these beans are also known as Judías Pintas, which translates to “speckled beans.”

Pinto beans are medium in size and brown in color with dark reddish markings on a brown background. Once cooked, these beans change their color to pink.

If you have bought canned pinto beans, the color of the beans once cooked will turn beige.

Keep in mind that pinto beans are often preferred in vegetarian diets for their flavor, which makes the dish stand out.

There are multiple ways to cook pinto beans, as they are available in cans and also as dried beans. However, most people prefer dry pinto beans to canned ones.

Black beans are rich, creamy, and nutty. Since these beans are soft and softer, they work well as fillings or even as a spread. 

As for the uses, these beans are usually served in burritos. They are also served with macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, and fried chicken.

You can also fry pinto beans. In fact, they are the best refried beans for their creamy texture and nutty flavor. 

These beans are used in multiple cuisines, such as Brazilian, Spanish, and Mexican.

These beans are commonly known for their high nutritional value. They are rich in fats, vitamins, minerals and proteins. Plus, they contain 234 calories and can help maintain blood sugar levels and heart health.

Black Beans vs. Pinto Beans: Comparison Chart

The following comparative table will help you find the differences between black beans and pinto beans.

Black Beans vs. Pinto Beans: What’s the difference?

Black beans and pinto beans may belong to the same family, but they have their own characteristics that differentiate them from each other.

Origin

Black beans originated in South America around 7,000 years ago and were considered the staple food in most of the country.

Pinto beans originate from Peru and are also known as common beans, as they derive from a common ancestor of kidney beans that originated in Peru.

Color

The most distinguishing factor of beans is their color. Each bean has its own color that distinguishes it from the others.

As the name suggests, black beans have a shiny black coating. They may appear black in color, but are usually deep purple once cooked.

Perfectly dried black beans have a dark black color. Black beans get their black color from a group of flavonoids called anthocyanins.

Pinto beans are tan-brown in color with dark and reddish spots. Once cooked, these dark spots disappear and the beans take on a creamy texture.

Taste

Kidney beans tend to have a rich texture, but they don’t have as much flavor as canned beans. Both black and pinto beans get their flavor from the dish with which they are cooked.

Black beans are mild and mild in flavor and not overwhelming . For this reason, people prefer them in many dishes.

Black beans are described as earthy in flavor, as they are creamy and nutty in flavor . Most people think that black beans taste like kidney beans, but this is not true, as kidney beans are sweeter than pinto beans.

Size

Size is another factor that helps us distinguish black from pinto beans.

Black beans are about the size of a pea, usually one centimeter, and are shaped like a red kidney bean. Pinto beans, on the other hand, are slightly larger than black beans, both in length and width. They are oval in shape.

Texture

The texture of the beans helps you decide which beans to use when preparing your favorite dish.

Since black beans are soft and creamy, they are preferred as a filling or even as a bean puree.

On the other hand, black beans are not as smooth in texture as pinto beans. For this reason, they are preferred above all in soups, since they can withstand high temperatures.

Nutritional value

A cup and a half of black beans includes 109 calories and a cup includes 227 calories, 8.3 grams of fiber and 7 grams of protein.

These nutrients can help reduce the risk of various chronic diseases, fight allergies, and also strengthen bones.

A cup of pinto beans includes 234 calories . Pinto beans have a higher sodium content compared to black beans.

bonus points

Here are some small differences to keep in mind when using pinto or black beans.

Cooking time

The cooking time required for black beans is 90-120 minutes compared to pinto beans, which only require 60-100 minutes. Therefore, pinto beans cook faster than black beans.

Storage

The best way to store beans is to use an airtight container. If the beans are cooked, make sure they stay in the fridge and make sure you consume them within 3 days.

Avoid antinutrients

Keep in mind that beans contain a component called phytates, which is a plant compound. Soaking beans for 1-2 hours or overnight can help reduce the amount of antinutrients present.

Pigment

An important point to note about black beans is that they lose their pigment once cooked . The shiny black color will fade once the beans are cooked. Be sure to use black beans for the right dish.

Useful life

The shelf life of cooked pinto beans is about 3-5 days, as long as they are refrigerated. The shelf life of dried pinto beans is about 6 months to 1 year. The same goes for black beans.

Can you opt for the black beans instead of the pints?

Cooking with beans is easy, as they are available both canned and dried. The important question to consider here is: when can you go for black beans over black beans and when not?

Whether it’s canned or dried black beans or pinto beans, the cooking process for both is the same. There are multiple misconceptions about it, but you can nevertheless substitute each other. 

For foods like rice, black beans are the perfect substitute. If you use dried black beans, make sure you cook them for a long time, as black beans require more cooking time.

You can use black beans instead of pinto beans when you want to reduce the sodium content in your food. This is because black beans are lower in sodium than pinto beans.

Keep in mind, however, that the only major downside to using black beans is that they lose color once cooked.

So, for dishes where the color of the broth is important, or for any other dish, be sure to avoid using black beans.

Also, if you want to prepare a dish faster or don’t have much cooking time, remember that black beans take much longer to cook. Therefore, try to avoid black beans if you want to cook your dish more quickly.

Related questions

Now that we’ve gone over the difference between black beans and pinto beans, let’s take a look at some related questions!

Can you add baking soda to pinto beans during cooking?

Yes, the beans usually take about 30 minutes to cook, as long as they are soaked overnight. By adding baking soda, the cooking time of the beans is reduced.

Is it necessary to cook canned black beans?

Canned black beans are precooked and can be eaten directly. However, you can also cook the beans if you are not sure about consuming them directly.

Can pinto beans be refried?

Yes, in fact, all beans can be refried. The refried is actually a simple recipe that can be used in tacos and burritos. Normally, the refried beans recipe is vegan and gluten-free.

Are black or pinto beans better in a burrito?

When it comes to Mexican cuisine, most people go for black beans or pinto beans. So if you’re confused about what to choose for a burrito, here’s what you need to know.

As we have already said, black beans are a healthier alternative to pinto beans. So, if you are preparing a healthy snack, go for them.

But, if you prefer flavor to nutrition, pinto beans are definitely better with their earthy, delicious flavor.