Borlotti Bean is one of the main European bean varieties grown. It originated in North America and is known by many names. The borlotti bean is a medium sized dark green bean, often splashed with rich red/black stains. It’s very popular in Italian and Spanish cuisine. The American cranberry apple/horticultural bean, also called erythroppin, is quite similar when not exactly the same as the Italian borlotti bean. Both are used in pasta dishes, bean dishes, as well as adding flavor to baked goods and for many other common food items.
The nutritional value of this popular European vegetable is unclear. In fact, there is some evidence that suggests the plant may have some health benefits, however most data is not supportive of those claims. Some evidence suggests that the moderate consumption of the borlotti bean may be beneficial to both men and women. However, the limited data may suggest that there may be no health benefits associated with the consumption of the borlotti bean at all. Most studies conclude that there is no nutritional value to the borlotti bean due to its low concentration of carbohydrates.
Because of the lack of significant amount of carbohydrates in the borlotti beans, it is typically consumed in Italian dishes. For example, the Italian breadsticks or pizzas are typically made from borlotti beans, which is also the base for the pizza sauce. This Italian bread is considered healthier than the more common white bread because it contains a lot of whole grain bread pieces. Also, because it lacks any carbohydrates, it provides a high level of fiber, which keeps one feeling full for a longer period of time.
One of the primary reasons that one finds the borlotti bean so delicious is that it contains a high amount of soluble fiber. The high level of fiber allows it to slowly release its contents slowly throughout the digestive tract. This allows one to feel full for an extended period of time, which may contribute to weight loss. Since each gill of the fish contains only about seven grams of protein, the fiber found in one cup of borlotti bean is equivalent to about thirteen grams of protein. This provides one with a high level of dietary protein.
The antioxidant content of the Borlotti bean is also impressive. Approximately eighteen grams of antioxidants are contained in one serving. In addition to providing dietary fiber, the antioxidant found in the bean also contributes to health benefits. Borlotti contains an ample amount of folate. The folate found in the bean helps reduce the damage done to blood cells by free radicals. Free radicals can contribute to a number of health problems, including heart disease and certain cancers.
There are many delicious foods that contain Borlotti beans, such as Soup of the Gods from Supermarket deli, Soup of the Month from Sprout and soup of the day from Emeril’s bakery. However, if you do not like the taste of soup, there is another option. Although not as rich in flavor as the original borlotti bean soup, you can add cranberries to the mix and enjoy a delicious bowl of soup. To prepare this dish, simply drain the beans, chop up the cranberries and add them to the simmering water. Cook on low until the cranberries have softened and the soup has thickened.