Cranberry beans and bird egg beans are two types of beans that are often confused with each other. However, despite some similarities, they are actually different varieties of beans.
What are cranberry beans?
Cranberry beans, also known as Roman beans or borlotti beans, are a variety of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) that get their name from their spotted speckled appearance, which resembles the look of cranberries. They originated in Colombia and are popular in Mediterranean cuisine as well as American and British cuisine. When dried, cranberry beans have a beige background color with red streaks or swirls. When cooked, the beans turn a light tan color while the swirls turn a deep cranberry red. They have a nutty, earthy flavor and creamy texture.
Some key identifying features of cranberry beans:
- Speckled or swirled red coloring on the exterior
- Oval or kidney shaped
- Tan, beige or white coloring on the inside
- Smooth, creamy texture
- Mild, nutty flavor
Cranberry beans are available dried, canned or frozen. They are excellent beans for slow-cooking in soups and stews where they absorb flavors beautifully. They work well in a variety of dishes including pasta e fagioli, minestrone, baked beans and bean salads.
What are bird egg beans?
Bird egg beans, also known as atsina fasoulya in Greek, are a heirloom variety of lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus). They get their unique name from their very small, oval shape which resembles a bird’s egg. Bird egg beans originated in Cyprus and grow in a bush formation rather than on vines. The small beans range from cream to pale green in color. When dried, the beans are ivory or pale yellow. The immature fresh beans are green and turn cream or light brown when allowed to dry fully on the bush.
Some identifying features of bird egg beans:
- Very small and oval shaped
- Cream, light green or pale yellow coloring
- Smooth, creamy texture
- Subtle earthy, nutty flavor
- Grow in a bush formation
Bird egg beans are not as commonly found outside of Cyprus but may be available through some speciality heirloom seed companies. The beans have a smooth, creamy texture and a subtle earthy, nutty flavor. They work well in succotash dishes and soups or can be served warm with olive oil, lemon and garlic.
Key Differences
While cranberry beans and bird egg beans may look somewhat similar, there are a few key differences between them:
Cranberry Beans | Bird Egg Beans |
---|---|
Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) | Lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus) |
Kidney shaped or oval | Very small and oval |
Speckled red pattern on tan background | Solid cream, pale green or yellow |
Commonly available dried, canned or frozen | Rare heirloom variety |
Originated in Colombia | Originated in Cyprus |
Grow on vines | Grow in bush formation |
As you can see, while both are beans and look somewhat similar, cranberry beans and bird egg beans belong to different bean species, have different colors and patterns, availability, origins and growing habits.
Can You Substitute Cranberry Beans for Bird Egg Beans?
Because of their similar size and shape, you can substitute dried, canned or frozen cranberry beans for bird egg beans if you can’t find bird egg beans.
When substituting:
- Use the same quantity of cranberry beans as the recipe calls for with bird egg beans.
- Both have a similar creamy texture when cooked.
- Cranberry beans will be slightly richer in flavor.
- You may want to adjust seasonings since cranberry beans are not as mild.
While not an exact match, cranberry beans make a readily accessible stand-in for bird egg beans when needed.
Can You Substitute Bird Egg Beans for Cranberry Beans?
It’s less common to need to substitute bird egg beans for the much more available cranberry beans, but if you happen to grow bird egg beans yourself, they can work in place of cranberry beans.
When substituting bird egg beans for cranberry beans:
- Use the same amount called for in the recipe.
- Bird egg beans will be a bit more delicate and milder in flavor.
- Complement the beans with aromatics and seasonings.
- Reduce cooking time slightly as bird egg beans cook a little faster.
While not an exact replacement, bird egg beans can be used in place of cranberry beans as needed.
How to Cook With Cranberry Beans and Bird Egg Beans
Both cranberry beans and bird egg beans work well in bean soups and stews. They hold their shape nicely when cooked. Here are some tasty ways to use them:
Cranberry Beans
- Minestrone, pasta e fagioli or Tuscan bean soups
- Vegetarian chili
- Simmered in tomato sauce with vegetables
- White bean salad with fresh herbs
- Pureed into bean dip
- Baked beans
Bird Egg Beans
- Warm Greek bean salad
- Succotash
- Zuppa di fagioli
- Spanish bean stew
- Beans simmered in olive oil and garlic
- Pureed into hummus
Both types of beans pair nicely with foods like leafy greens, tomatoes, onions, garlic, mushrooms, peppers, herbs, olive oil, citrus and Parmesan cheese.
Conclusion
In summary:
- Cranberry beans and bird egg beans are different types of beans – cranberry beans are common beans while bird egg beans are lima beans.
- They differ in appearance, with cranberry beans having a speckled pattern and bird egg beans being solid colored.
- Cranberry beans are widely available while bird egg beans are a rare heirloom variety.
- Both beans have a similar size and shape which allows them to be substituted for one another in recipes if needed.
- Cranberry beans have a richer, nuttier taste while bird egg beans are delicate and mildly flavored.
- The beans can be used in similar dishes like bean soups, stews, salads and purees.
So in summary, while the two beans share some common traits and can be substituted for one another, cranberry beans and bird egg beans are distinctly different varieties of beans.