borlotti bean: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1specialised / culinary
Quick answer
What does “borlotti bean” mean?
A type of kidney bean, mottled with red or pink spots on a creamy background, used in cooking.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of kidney bean, mottled with red or pink spots on a creamy background, used in cooking.
A large, speckled bean, also known as the cranberry bean, valued in Mediterranean cuisine for its creamy texture and nutty flavor when cooked; it is often used in stews, soups, and salads.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'borlotti bean' is recognized in both varieties, but in the US, 'cranberry bean' is a more common equivalent name.
Connotations
In UK contexts, it often connotes Italian or Mediterranean cuisine. In the US, 'cranberry bean' may sound more familiar to a general audience.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK food writing and specialty cooking. In US general contexts, 'cranberry bean' is more frequent.
Grammar
How to Use “borlotti bean” in a Sentence
[verb] + borlotti beans (e.g., soak, cook, add)[adjective] + borlotti beans (e.g., dried, fresh, canned)borlotti beans + [prepositional phrase] (e.g., in a soup, with pancetta)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “borlotti bean” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- You need to simmer the borlotti beans for at least an hour.
- Have you remembered to soak the borlotti beans overnight?
American English
- You should boil the cranberry beans until tender.
- Remember to rinse the canned borlotti beans before use.
adjective
British English
- This borlotti bean soup is wonderfully hearty.
- I'm following a recipe for a borlotti bean stew.
American English
- She made a delicious cranberry bean salad.
- This recipe calls for borlotti bean purée.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in food import/export or agricultural commodity contexts.
Academic
Rare, may appear in botanical or agricultural studies of Phaseolus vulgaris.
Everyday
Common in cooking discussions, recipes, and grocery shopping for specific ingredients.
Technical
Used in horticulture, botany, and culinary arts to specify the bean cultivar.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “borlotti bean”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “borlotti bean”
- Misspelling as 'borloti bean', 'burlotti bean', or 'borlotti been'.
- Using as a countable noun without 'bean' (e.g., 'Add some borlotti' is informal; 'Add some borlotti beans' is standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are the same variety of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). 'Borlotti' is the common name in Italian and UK English, while 'cranberry bean' is more common in American English.
If using dried borlotti beans, soaking them overnight reduces cooking time and can make them easier to digest. Canned borlotti beans are pre-cooked and do not require soaking.
They have a creamy, nutty flavour and a smooth, buttery texture when cooked, making them excellent for absorbing the flavours of a dish.
Yes, pinto beans or cranberry beans are direct substitutes. For a different texture but similar use, cannellini or kidney beans can work in soups and stews.
A type of kidney bean, mottled with red or pink spots on a creamy background, used in cooking.
Borlotti bean is usually specialised / culinary in register.
Borlotti bean: in British English it is pronounced /bɔːˌlɒti ˈbiːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɔrˌlɑti ˈbin/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BORn LOTTI (Italian) BEAN – a bean born in Italy with lots of spots.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MARBLE or SPECKLED EGG (due to its mottled appearance).
Practice
Quiz
What is another common name for the borlotti bean, especially in the United States?