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Food

Red Kidney Beans

What is red kidney beans?

· Sarah Mitchell

Key facts

Scientific name Phaseolus vulgaris[1]
Name basis Named for resemblance to a human kidney[1]
Type Variety of the common bean[1]
Cuisine use Used in dishes worldwide, including rajma masala[2]
Food safety Raw beans contain phytohaemagglutinin; cooking required[4]

Red kidney beans are a variety of the common bean, *Phaseolus vulgaris*, named for their kidney-like shape and red color. They are an edible dried legume used in cooking worldwide, including in rajma masala. Raw kidney beans contain phytohaemagglutinin and must be cooked before consumption. The term "red bean" can also refer to other beans, such as adzuki beans or small red beans.

Context

Red kidney beans are a variety of the common bean, *Phaseolus vulgaris*, and are named for their kidney-like shape and red color [1]. They are an edible dried legume used in cooking, including in rajma masala [2]. Raw kidney beans contain phytohaemagglutinin and should be cooked before consumption [4]. The term "red bean" can also refer to other beans, such as adzuki beans or small red beans [3]. They are part of the broader category of beans used in many cuisines.

Documented claims

  • Red kidney beans are named for their kidney-like shape and red color. [1]
  • Raw kidney beans are unsafe because of phytohaemagglutinin and must be cooked. [4]
  • The term "red bean" is not exclusive and can refer to adzuki beans or small red beans. [3]

Related

  • Pinto BeansPinto beans are another common variety of beans.
  • Navy BeansNavy beans are another common variety of beans.
  • Lima BeansLima beans are another common variety of beans.

Questions and answers

Are red kidney beans good for you?

Red kidney beans are a nutritious legume, though the source material does not specify detailed health benefits. They are commonly used in dishes worldwide [2].

How do you cook red kidney beans?

The source material does not provide specific cooking instructions, but it notes that raw kidney beans contain phytohaemagglutinin and must be cooked before consumption [4].

Why do you have to be careful with kidney beans?

Raw kidney beans contain phytohaemagglutinin, a toxin that makes them unsafe to eat raw. Cooking is required to make them safe [4].

What's the difference between red beans and red kidney beans?

The term "red bean" is not exclusive to red kidney beans; it can also refer to adzuki beans or small red beans [3]. Red kidney beans are specifically a variety of the common bean [1].

Sources

  1. Know your Vegetables - Know your Kidney bean — sites.google.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Kidney Beans 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits — healthline.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. What's the Difference Between White and Red Kidney Beans? — loseit.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  4. Nutrition — cooksinfo.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Food