Quick Answer
The main type of bean in Bush’s white chili beans is the navy bean, also known as the haricot bean or pea bean. Navy beans are small white beans that have a smooth texture and mild flavor.
Ingredients List
The full ingredients list for a can of Bush’s Best White Chili Beans, as listed on the label, is:
– Prepared White Beans
– Water
– Salt
– Calcium Chloride
– Calcium Disodium EDTA (To Protect Flavor)
So the primary ingredient is prepared white beans. Let’s take a closer look at what exactly “prepared white beans” refers to.
White Bean Varieties
There are a few different varieties of white beans that are commonly used:
– Navy Beans – These small, pea-sized white beans have a smooth, creamy texture. They are very mild in flavor and take on the flavors of other ingredients easily. Navy beans are one of the most popular beans used in baked beans, soups, and other bean dishes.
– Great Northern Beans – Very similar to navy beans, great northerns are a bit larger and have a flattened, oval shape. They are equally mild in flavor.
– Cannellini Beans – A popular Italian white bean, cannellinis are larger than navy beans. They have a very tender texture and nutty flavor.
– Baby Lima Beans – While lima beans are often green, there are also white varieties referred to as baby limas. They have a slightly starchy, potato-like texture.
Navy Beans are the Most Likely Variety
When a product just lists “white beans” without specifying the variety, it is most often referring to navy beans. There are a few reasons why navy beans are the most common choice:
– Traditional – Navy beans have been a baking bean staple for generations. Their small size makes them ideal for soups, baked bean dishes, etc. Many people associate the flavor of navy beans with classic baked beans.
– Mild Taste – With their mild, slightly nutty flavor, navy beans complement other ingredients without overpowering them. This makes them very versatile.
– Smooth Texture – When cooked properly, navy beans become very creamy and smooth, virtually dissolving into sauces and bases for dishes like chili.
– Affordable – Navy beans are one of the most affordable bean varieties, keeping costs low.
How Bush’s White Chili Beans Are Made
While the exact proprietary details of Bush’s process are not public, we can make some educated guesses about how they make their canned white chili beans based on standard industry practices:
– Bean Selection – They likely source high quality, American-grown navy beans. Standards for appearance, size, texture, etc. ensure consistency.
– Cleaning and Sorting – The beans are thoroughly cleaned to remove any debris and then sorted to remove any irregularities or discolored beans.
– Simmering – The beans are simmered until fully cooked and soft. This process helps them achieve the smooth, creamy texture.
– Seasoning – Salt and other seasonings (potentially including onions, garlic, chili peppers, etc.) are added for flavor. The level of added seasonings appears minimal to keep the beans versatile.
– Canning – The cooked beans are canned in a broth, water or sauce along with preservatives and stabilizers to allow for shelf stability.
– Sterilization – The filled cans are sterilized through high heat to kill any potential pathogens before sealing. This ensures safety.
– Labeling and Shipping – Finally, the cans are labeled, packaged and shipped out to grocery stores and distribution centers around the country.
Nutrition Information
Here is the nutrition information for a 1/2 cup serving (126g) of Bush’s Best White Chili Beans, according to the label:
| Calories | 140 |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 330mg |
| Total Carbs | 25g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8g |
| Protein | 9g |
As you can see, these canned beans are low in fat, high in fiber and a good source of plant-based protein. The sodium content is a bit high since they are canned and include added salt. Rinsing the beans can help reduce the sodium level.
Uses for Bush’s White Chili Beans
Because they are relatively neutral in flavor, Bush’s white chili beans work well in a wide variety of recipes. Some ideas include:
– Chili – Mix into meat or vegetarian chilis. They’ll soak up the sauce and seasonings.
– Tacos or Burritos – Mash some beans and add to fillings along with cheese, veggies, etc.
– Soups and Stews – Add them to soup or use Bush’s beans as your bean base in stew.
– Baked Beans – For a quick version, heat and mix with BBQ sauce and spices.
– Dips – Blend into bean dips and veggie spreads. They’ll provide a smooth texture.
– Salads – Toss them in grain salads, pasta salads or use as a veggie topping.
The options are virtually endless. Bush’s white chili beans can be an easy short cut for any recipe calling for cooked beans. Keeping a few cans on hand means you can quickly whip up meals using the beans.
Buying Bush’s White Chili Beans
A 15-16 oz can of Bush’s Best White Chili Beans typically costs around $1-2 at most major grocery stores. They are stocked with the other canned beans and soups. Here are some tips for buying Bush’s white chili beans:
– Look for promotion sales or coupons to save money. Bush’s beans often go on sale.
– Purchase a multi-pack to save per can if you use them frequently in recipes.
– Check the “best by” date and pick cans with the furthest date for freshness.
– Inspect cans for damage like dents, swelling or corrosion before purchasing.
– Buy plain Bush’s white chili beans for versatility or try flavored varieties like Cajun style or garlic flavored.
– Stock up when they are on sale so you always have them ready to use in the pantry.
Canned vs. Dry Beans
Bush’s canned white chili beans offer convenience compared to preparing beans from dry:
**Canned Beans**
– Pre-cooked and ready to eat
– Shelf-stable with a 1-2 year expiration
– More expensive per serving
– Higher sodium content
– Fewer additive-free options
**Dry Beans**
– Require lengthy soaking and cooking
– Long uncooked shelf life of 1 year or more
– Much cheaper per serving
– No added sodium or preservatives
– More variety in organic, heirloom beans
Canned beans make sense when you need the convenience factor. Go with home-cooked dry beans to maximize cost savings and control additives.
FAQs
Are Bush’s white chili beans already cooked?
Yes, Bush’s white chili beans come fully cooked and ready to eat right out of the can. No additional cooking is required before using them in recipes.
Do Bush’s white beans need to be rinsed?
It is recommended to rinse Bush’s white chili beans to remove some of the sodium from the canning liquid. Rinsing them under cold water for 30 seconds should do the trick.
Are there preservatives in Bush’s canned beans?
Yes, the canning process for Bush’s beans does use preservatives like calcium chloride and calcium disodium EDTA to maintain freshness and quality. Always check labels for additives if it is a concern.
How long do unopened cans of Bush’s beans last?
An unopened can of Bush’s white chili beans has a shelf life of about 1-2 years from the manufacture date printed on the can. The beans stay safe and edible during that entire shelf life if stored properly.
Do Bush’s chili beans contain any common food allergens?
Bush’s white chili beans are free of major allergens like wheat, dairy, eggs, fish, shellfish, peanuts, and soy. They are safe for those with common food allergies. Those with specific intolerances should always check labels.
Conclusion
In summary, the white beans used by Bush’s for their canned white chili beans are most likely the classic navy bean variety. Sometimes referred to as haricot beans or pea beans, navy beans have a signature smooth, creamy texture and mild flavor that makes them perfect for chilis, baked beans, soups, dips and more.
While convenient and ready to use, Bush’s canned beans are higher in sodium than dry beans you cook yourself. But they can provide a handy shortcut for weeknight meals in a pinch. Keeping a stock on hand lets you quickly incorporate beans into everything from tacos to hearty stews.