black bean: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighNeutral, with common use in culinary contexts.
Quick answer
What does “black bean” mean?
A small, shiny black legume, a variety of common bean, often used in cooking.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, shiny black legume, a variety of common bean, often used in cooking.
The mature, dried seed of the black bean plant; also refers to fermented black beans used in Chinese cuisine (douchi). Informally, can refer to a dark coffee bean or cocoa bean.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is identical. Usage frequency may be higher in American English due to cuisine.
Connotations
In the UK, often associated with Mexican or Latin American food. In the US, more integrated into general cuisine.
Frequency
More common in American English, particularly in the Southwest and areas with strong Mexican/Latin American culinary influence.
Grammar
How to Use “black bean” in a Sentence
[verb] + black beans: cook, drain, rinse, mash, season black beans[adjective] + black beans: canned, dried, cooked, seasoned black beansVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “black bean” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- To 'black bean' is not a standard verb.
American English
- To 'black bean' is not a standard verb.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- She prepared a delicious black-bean dip for the party.
- The black-bean burger was a vegetarian option.
American English
- He made a tasty black bean dip for the game.
- The black bean burger was a veggie option.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In the food import/export sector: 'We've seen a 15% rise in demand for organic black beans.'
Academic
In nutritional studies: 'The high fibre content of black beans contributes to gut health.'
Everyday
'I'm making a chilli with black beans for dinner tonight.'
Technical
In agriculture: 'Phaseolus vulgaris cv. 'Black Turtle' is resistant to certain soil-borne pathogens.'
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “black bean”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “black bean”
- Using 'black bean' to refer to a coffee bean in formal culinary writing.
- Confusing 'black bean sauce' (often containing fermented beans) with a sauce made purely from black turtle beans.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are different varieties of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). Black beans are smaller, black, and have a creamier texture.
Soaking dried black beans for several hours reduces cooking time and can make them easier to digest, but it's not strictly necessary.
Standard black beans are a legume. Fermented black beans (douchi) are black soybeans that have been salted and fermented, used as a seasoning in Chinese cuisine.
Yes, black beans in their natural, unprocessed state are gluten-free. Always check labels on canned products for additives.
A small, shiny black legume, a variety of common bean, often used in cooking.
Black bean is usually neutral, with common use in culinary contexts. in register.
Black bean: in British English it is pronounced /blæk biːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /blæk biːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: BLACK BEAN = BLACK in colour + BEAN you eat. A shiny black bean.
Conceptual Metaphor
Often metaphorically linked to health, simplicity, or staple food: 'The black bean is a cornerstone of the pantry.'
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'black turtle bean'?