Pinto Beans: Where They’re From, When They’re In Season, and More

What are pinto beans?

Pinto beans are small, versatile legumes commonly used in Mexican dishes, including tacos, burritos, and tostadas. Pinto translates from Spanish to “speckled” referencing the reddish-brown spots on these beige-colored beans. 

Usually eaten whole or mashed, pinto beans are a nutrient powerhouse and especially popular with vegetarians and vegans since they are an excellent source of protein. You can buy canned pinto beans or cook dried pinto beans in a crockpot to use in soups, salads, and main dishes. 

Where did pinto beans originate from?

It’s believed that pinto beans evolved with the flowering plants and date back as far as 360 million years. More recent history shows that they have been growing in Mexico and Peru for over 7,000 years and have always been a staple in the local diets. Most pinto beans for commercial production are grown in Northern Mexico and the Southwestern parts of the United States. 

What is the nutritional value of pinto beans?

When you buy pinto beans, you’re getting an inexpensive nutrient-packed food that will keep you full for hours, thanks to the fiber and protein. Additionally, these beans are rich in antioxidants and low in fat. Despite having a higher carbohydrate count, they are a low glycemic food which means you won’t experience a blood sugar spike after consuming them.

One cup of cooked pinto beans (with no added fats or salt) contains:

• 245 calories
• 1g fat
• 15g protein
• 15g fiber
• 45g carbohydrate
• 2mg sodium
• 0g sugar

Pinto beans are a nutritious part of almost any diet, especially vegan and vegetarian diets, due to the rich vitamin and mineral content of the beans. Each serving of pinto beans includes:

• Phosphorous
• Manganese
• Folate
• Thiamine
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Zinc

How are pinto beans grown?

Pinto beans are an easy plant to grow. They grow best in warm climates where they can enjoy at least 90 frost-free days and in an area that gets a minimum of six hours of full sun each day. They do not transplant well, so you should plant them directly in the ground, with ample space between plants. 

After 90 to 150 days, the pinto beans are ready for harvest. When and how you harvest them depends upon if you plan to eat them fresh or leave them on the vines or bushes to dry. 

When are pinto beans in season?

Pinto beans are in season in the fall, between late August to late September. Pinto beans are not typically consumed fresh from the vine, they are usually processed and canned or dried. Find dried and canned pinto beans year-round at most grocery stores.

How do you pick pinto beans at the grocery store?

When shopping for dried pinto beans, you should look at the “use by” date on the bag. Dried beans can last for years if they are correctly stored. However, they taste best and are healthier if consumed within 12 months. Choosing a bag of beans that has a date up to a year from the current date ensures freshness. Look to make sure the beans are not broken, cracked, or have shriveled skin. These are all signs that the beans are not very fresh. 

As you add items to your Instacart virtual shopping cart, you can leave notes for your shopper. This will help them to choose the freshest and best items for your order. 

How to store pinto beans

Dried pinto beans should be kept in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry area. Cupboards, pantries, and basement storage areas are ideal places to store beans. Most packaged beans have a sell-by date within 12 months of packaging, and for optimal flavor and nutrition, they should be used by that date. Well-dried beans, when stored correctly, can last for several years, however, over time, they lose flavor, and the nutrient content declines. Cooked and canned pinto beans typically have use-by dates that are a year or longer. 

Open cans of beans and cooked beans can keep them in the refrigerator for up to five days. Cooked beans can also be frozen for up to six months. 

How to tell if pinto beans are bad

Dried pinto beans rarely go bad when kept in a cool, dark, and dry place. Once cooked, properly store them in the fridge in an air-tight, sealed container. Throw away the beans if there is any mold on them or if they have an off odor and smell rancid. 

What can I substitute for pinto beans?

If you’re looking to try different flavors, several dried beans make excellent substitutions. Other similar beans are:

• Black beans
• Navy beans
• Kidney beans
• Great northern beans
• Black turtle beans

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Whether you’re a single mom or a full-time student, Instacart makes it easy for you to shop for groceries online. Choose in-store pick-up or home delivery for the ultimate convenience and let us deliver your pinto beans right to your front door.

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