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beans ![click to hear : beans click to hear : beans](../../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
Fruits of plants native to Central and South America, the seeds are oval or kidney-shaped; before they are fully ripe, the pods are often edible.
flageolet ![click to hear : flageolet click to hear : flageolet](../../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
Thin flat and less starchy than most other legumes, this bean is a favorite in France, where it is traditionally served with leg of lamb.
adzuki bean ![click to hear : adzuki bean click to hear : adzuki bean](../../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
Has a delicate flavor and is often served with rice; in Asian countries, the paste made from these beans can replace tomato paste.
black bean ![click to hear : black bean click to hear : black bean](../../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
Available mainly in Central and North America, it is a staple of Mexican cooking.
red kidney bean ![click to hear : red kidney bean click to hear : red kidney bean](../../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
One of the best-known beans, it is used to make the Mexican dish called chili con carne; it retains its shape when cooked so is often canned.
soybeans ![click to hear : soybeans click to hear : soybeans](../../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
Produces a kind of milk used mainly to make tofu and also a vegetable oil; when fermented, it is the main ingredient in soy sauce.
soybean sprouts ![click to hear : soybean sprouts click to hear : soybean sprouts](../../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
After sprouting for a few days they are ready to be eaten, either raw or lightly cooked; they are characteristic of Chinese cooking.