The growing trend to consume plant-based foods and the affects of the pandemic has encouraged consumers to purchase and stock pantries at Lake Martin and beyond with plant-based proteins. This has increased the sales of dried and canned beans exponentially. Black beans have taken on the starring role in many kitchens, providing an inexpensive, readily available, versatile, high protein staple.

Black beans are called pulses, which are the edible seeds of legumes. They are native to the Americas, including Central and South America. Black bean consumption dates back 7,000 years ago, when they were considered a staple of Central and South American diets. Today, black beans are a common ingredient in the dishes of Latin American countries, such as Mexico, Peru and Columbia. Black beans did not gain popularity in North America until the late 1900s.