Garden Pinto Beans

Appearance

• Pinto beans are immediately recognizable when dried. Their tan-and-brown speckled appearance is distinctive among beans. The bean plant itself looks much like a green bean plant. Pinto beans, like green beans, are vining plants. They either crawl along the ground or climb up a support structure. Even while climbing, pinto bean plants remain rather short, reaching a maximum height of about 24 inches. The seeds are produced in long pods. Each pod contains an average of four seeds. The pods turn brown as they dry.

Culture

• Pinto beans, like most bean plants, need warm, loose soil to germinate. Late frosts will kill pinto beans. At minimum, the soil temperature should be 50 F at planting time. Pinto beans grow best in a sunny location and in rich, well-draining soil. Press individual beans an inch deep into the soil and about 3 inches apart from each other. Keep them well-watered with an inch of water per week, and keep the area around the bean plants free of weeds. A 3-inch layer of mulch will not only keep the soil warm, but stifle weed growth as well. Harvest the pods when they are dry and brown. The seeds (beans) should be completely dry and hard. A long growing season and dry fall weather produces the highest quality pinto beans, according to Purdue University.

Health Benefits

• Pinto beans are loaded with vitamins, protein and minerals, including calcium and iron. Researchers with Arizona State and Colorado State University found that a serving of pinto beans lowered cholesterol levels more than an equal serving of oatmeal. This is likely because the beans are high in soluble fiber. They are also low in calories and sodium.

Uses

• Pinto beans are used to make refried beans, a staple in many recipes. They can be added to soups and salads, and even mixed with spices to make a mock pumpkin pie. Pinto beans, mashed and added to a recipe for making fudge, bring a smooth texture to the dessert while adding health benefits.