cooking with beans

[QuilterMom]

http://www.organicgardening.com/feat...-64-88,00.html

The innovative chef and the gardener at Fetzer Vineyards in Hopland, California, share their secrets for cooking and growing this delicious classic.

Dried beans are a mainstay of a truly organic diet. Not only are they a uniquely rich vegetable source of protein—as well as iron, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and some B vitamins—they're also a naturally preserved garden crop (no canning or freezing required) that can be eaten year-round. Beans come in many colorful varieties, too, including some recently revived heirlooms with such evocative names as 'Tongues of Fire,' 'Christmas Lima,' 'Vermont Appaloosa,' and 'Jacob's Cattle.'

So why isn't everyone else eating a lot of dried beans? Probably because many people believe that beans take a long time to prepare and that they often cause gas. But as you'll see here, you can solve both of these problems at one time.

Quick Prep -Before you cook dried beans, you need to soak them. The process used to take 12 hours or more, but a few years ago, the U.S. Department of Agriculture devised a 'quick-soak' method that takes just an hour. By pouring off the original water, you pour off much of the gas-causing insoluble sugar. To quick-soak the beans, first rinse them thoroughly and then pick through them to remove any foreign matter. Put the rinsed beans in a deep saucepan and cover them with at least 2 inches of cold water. Place the pan on the stove over moderately high heat. As soon as the water boils, remove it from the heat. After an hour or so, pour off the water (the beans are now plump and fat) and then cover them again with at least 2 inches of cold water. Boil the water and then reduce heat to a simmer, partially cover the pan, and cook the beans until they are tender. As the beans cook, you can further de-gas them by adding either fresh or dried epazote (a Mexican herb) or kombu (a dried seaweed available at natural food stores).

If you'd like to try recipes that use dried beans, check out the Organic Gardening recipe index, which includes our recipe for Chocolate Baked Beans Mole.

[missymomof3]

Does adding baking soda help with elininating the gas in food?

[LadybugDreams]

I have heard that, but I also believe that it breaks down some of the nutrition in the bean as well....you can try adding a little fennel to the beans when cooking them in place of baking soda

[LadybugDreams]

I should add that eating beans more can get your body used to it, and therefore reduce the gas.

Drinking this tea will help as well...
1 bag chamomile tea (or loose flowers)
about 1/2 tsp ground thyme
1/2 tsp ground ginger *or* you can use fresh ginger but you have to steep it longer

heat up the water and then add all ingredients. i let it steep for about 10 minutes and drink it hot or iced. you can sweeten with honey if you are not vegan.

I guess it works because something in the ginger & thyme get rid of gas & cramps. chamomile soothes.

[tbs727]

Thanks for the information.

[LadybugDreams]

Sure, anytime!