Beans are legumes, or plants that have pods with seeds inside. There are countless varieties to try and all are interchangeable in recipes! Try pinto beans, kidney beans, split peas, black beans, black-eyed peas, or garbanzo beans. Use one or try a combination!
Key facts about beans:
- Beans have been an important part of the human diet for thousands of years and are one of the earliest food crops cultivated.
- Beans are very low in sodium and offer many of the same nutrients as meat, but without the fat and cholesterol.
- The USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend beans as a part of a healthy diet, stating that diets including beans may help to decrease your risk of heart disease.
- Most dry beans grown in this country belong to the species Phaseolus vulgaris, or common bean.
From CDC Fruit and Vegetable of the Month, Seattle Public Schools Harvest of the Month
Handy Guide to Washington Beans Poster
Click to download the full-size PDF.
The poster is designed to be printed at 11" x 17"
Highlight Washington-grown beans and lentils served in your program with this beautiful poster! This educational poster helps people identify and cooking certain types of legumes.
Special thanks to Washington State Department of Health and Ferndale Food Bank for partnering to develop the posters.
Other posters:
- Harvest of the Month Poster [PDF] with nutrition facts - from Whatcom Farm to School
- Featured item poster [PDF] with space to fill in menu item and farm name - from Whatcom Farm to School
Flyers and handouts:
- Educator flyer [PDF] with student activities, reading list, facts and other info - from Seattle Public Schools and Public Health King County
- Handout [PUB] customizable for your school for teachers, students, and staff when you showcase Washington grown beans - from WSDA Farm to School
- Teacher talking points with trivia, teaching tips, facts and more - from Whatcom Farm to School
Images, activities, and signs:
- Item Image for Harvest of the Month bulletin board - from Seattle Public Schools and Public Health King County
- Powerpoint presentation [PPT] with dried bean facts - from Whatcom Farm to School
- Pulse on Health STEM in the Classroom Curriculum [PDF] including garden-based activities - from WSU Extension
