kidney bean
MediumNeutral
Definition
Meaning
An edible bean, typically dark red in its common form, with a shape resembling a human kidney.
The seed of the common bean plant (Phaseolus vulgaris) or other similar beans, used as a food. Can refer to specific varieties and their distinctive colors (e.g., red, white, black).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a culinary term for a specific type of bean. The color modifier (e.g., red kidney bean, white kidney bean/cannellini bean) is often integral to the term.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or referent. Both use the term for the same food item.
Connotations
Neutral in both. Associated with cooking, health food, and common ingredients.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Add [the kidney beans] to the pot.Rinse [the kidney beans] thoroughly.The recipe calls for [a can of kidney beans].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in agricultural, import/export, and food retail contexts.
Academic
Used in botanical, nutritional, and culinary studies.
Everyday
Common in cooking instructions, recipes, and shopping lists.
Technical
Botanical name: Phaseolus vulgaris. Used in agronomy and food science.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The kidney-bean salad was a hit.
- A kidney-bean brown colour.
American English
- She made a kidney bean chili.
- The paint was a kidney-bean red.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I bought a tin of kidney beans.
- The beans are red.
- For the chilli, you need one can of red kidney beans.
- Rinse the kidney beans under cold water before using them.
- The nutritional profile of kidney beans includes high fibre and protein content.
- Soaking dried kidney beans overnight reduces cooking time and improves digestibility.
- He criticised the dish for its overcooked, mushy kidney beans, which had lost their structural integrity.
- Agricultural subsidies have significantly impacted the global trade dynamics of pulses like the kidney bean.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Its shape looks just like a human KIDNEY, so it's a KIDNEY BEAN.
Conceptual Metaphor
SHAPE IS IDENTITY (the bean is named for its visual resemblance to an organ).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation 'почечный боб' – it's not used. The standard term is 'фасоль' or specifically 'красная фасоль'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect plural: 'kidney beans' (correct). Incorrect: 'kidney's beans'.
- Misspelling as 'kidny bean' or 'kidneybeen'.
Practice
Quiz
Why must dried red kidney beans be boiled vigorously for at least 10 minutes?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fibre, and various vitamins and minerals.
No, never. Raw or undercooked kidney beans contain a toxin called phytohaemagglutinin which can cause severe food poisoning. They must be cooked properly.
Cannellini beans are white kidney beans. They are a variety of the same species (Phaseolus vulgaris) but have a milder flavour and creamier texture.
No, canned kidney beans are pre-cooked. You only need to drain and rinse them to remove the salty, starchy liquid they are packed in.