Baked beans

Baked beans are a classic dish that begins with white beans, which are first parboiled and then cooked in a savory sauce. In the United States, these beans are typically baked, whereas in the United Kingdom, they're more often stewed. Interestingly, canned baked beans are not actually baked; they are cooked using a steam process.

This dish has deep roots in Native American cuisine and was later embraced and adapted by English colonists in New England during the 17th century. By the 19th century, baked beans had spread across the United States and Canada, thanks to cookbooks.

Originally, Native Americans sweetened baked beans with maple syrup. However, when the English colonists got involved, they started using brown sugar and molasses instead. This led to the creation of Boston baked beans, which are made with molasses and salt pork. Boston became so famous for this dish that it earned the nickname "Beantown." In the U.S., baked beans are often a staple at barbecues and picnics.

For convenience, canned baked beans became a popular option. These are usually made from navy beans in a flavorful sauce and can be enjoyed either hot or cold. The mass production of canned baked beans began in the United States in 1895, with the H. J. Heinz Company being one of the pioneers in bringing this product to international markets. In the UK, Heinz Baked Beans have even become a key component of the traditional full English breakfast.

Baked beans are now a staple in many countries, each with its own twist on the recipe. They are incredibly popular in the UK, where Heinz remains a leading brand. In the U.S., baked beans are enjoyed in various regional styles. Some versions are even vegetarian, made without pork.

Besides being delicious, baked beans offer health benefits, such as helping to lower cholesterol levels. However, they are also notorious for causing flatulence, a result of gut flora fermenting oligosaccharides. This has been a humorous point in popular culture, appearing in movies and songs.