kidney beans

[pinenut]

I've read that you shouldn't try to sprout kidney beans as they have a toxic outer skin that needs to be nutralized by cooking? Anyone ever hear of this? Is it true? What about just small red beans (they don't say kidney on the package)? Can those be sprouted safely?

[juliebove]

It's true. This is one reason why it is not advised to cook bean soley in a crockpot. Because they might not come to an actual boil, especially at lower temps. You have to first bring them to a boil on the stove and boil for at least one minute. Here's a link:

http://www.foodreference.com/html/artredkidneybeanpoisoning.html

[pinenut]

Wow! thanks for that info. What about the red/black beans though...they're not related to the kidney are they?

[Shivananda]

Interesting that the partially cooked red kidney beans are actually more toxic than the raw ones... :)

Fortunately I despise kidney beans so I am not at risk in any case.

Anyway, there are lots of other beans that can be eaten raw once soaked, such as garbanzo beans, but I think sprouting beans generally makes them much more nutritious and palatable to be eaten raw. Not to mention,,,, digestible! I do not get flatulent after eating bean sprouts, but I sure do after eating cooked beans. Oy!