Why Are Navy Beans Called Navy Beans?

Why are navy beans called navy beans?

Navy beans earned their name because they became a staple food for the United States Navy during the latter half of the 19th century.¹

These small, white, oval-shaped beans were selected as naval provisions primarily due to their durability and nutritional value. They could be stored for long periods without spoiling, making them ideal for life at sea. Furthermore, they provided sailors with essential protein, iron, thiamin, and riboflavin, which were vital for maintaining health and energy during extended voyages.¹²

Also known as haricots, Boston beans, or pea beans, they remain popular today due to their mild flavor and versatility in various dishes.¹²

What other foods were common in 19th-century naval diets?

Sorry, the Britannica knowledge base does not contain this information.

How are navy beans different from other types of beans?

Navy beans are a specific variety of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), sharing the same species as other popular legumes like kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans.¹

While they share a similar nutritional profile with other common beans—being rich in protein, iron, thiamin, and riboflavin—they are distinguished by their specific physical and culinary characteristics:³¹

• Appearance: Navy beans are small, white, and oval-shaped, contrasting with the diverse colors and patterns found in other common bean varieties.³¹
• Texture and Flavor: They are known for their mild flavor and creamy texture, which allows them to easily absorb the flavors of other ingredients in dishes like soups, stews, and casseroles.³
• Historical Utility: Their primary distinction lies in their historical durability; they were favored by the United States Navy because they could be stored for long periods without spoiling.³⁴

What are some popular recipes that use navy beans?

Navy beans are highly versatile in the kitchen due to their mild flavor and creamy texture, which allow them to absorb the seasonings of various dishes. While they are used in a wide range of soups, stews, salads, and casseroles, they are most famously associated with the iconic dish known as Boston baked beans.¹⁵

Boston Baked Beans Recipe

This traditional dish, which helped earn Boston its “Beantown” nickname, is a staple of regional culinary history.⁴⁵

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dry navy beans (soaked overnight)
• ½ pound uncooked bacon strips
• 1 medium onion, diced
• ½ cup ketchup
• 3 tablespoons molasses
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon dry mustard

Instructions:

1. Boil the soaked beans until tender, then drain while reserving the liquid.⁴
2. Preheat your oven to 325 °F (165 °C).⁴
3. In a bean pot or casserole dish, layer the beans, bacon, and onions.⁴
4. Whisk the remaining ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat until boiling, then pour the sauce over the layers.⁴
5. Bake covered for 1.5 hours, then uncovered for 2 additional hours, stirring occasionally and adding reserved liquid if the beans dry out.⁴