Navy Beans

The small, white oval navy bean is so-called not because of its colour, but because of its extensive use by the US Navy since the mid-19th century. Also known as Yankee beans, Boston beans and pearl haricot, they are most famously used to make baked beans, a traditional favourite enjoyed across the world with individual regional variations. In the UK, we love baked beans with almost everything - hot buttered toast, jacket potatoes or as part of an English breakfast. The Quebecois cook theirs with molasses and onions, as do the Americans, but with the addition of pork belly to make Boston baked beans.

Navy beans are also good in soups, salads and chillies. They are part of the haricot bean family and may be used interchangeably with cannelloni, flageolets or small butter beans.