Cannellini Beans are an Italian staple in minestrone and other dishes. These white beans have a firm texture, a mild, nut-like flavour and hold their shape well. A variety of the "common bean" family, cannellini are sometimes called "white kidney beans." Cannellini Bean Basics Cannellini beans are one of Italy's signature foods. In Tuscany, cannellini beans are the reason Tuscans are sometimes called "bean eaters", or "Mangia agio li" in Italian. All beans are marvels of nature's kitchen: filled with beneficial phytonutrients, soluble and insoluble dietary fiber and protein. They're storehouses of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals including zinc, potassium, magnesium and folate. Their versatility, taste and nutrition make dried cannellini beans a great addition to any home pantry. Tasty Tips and Storage Enjoy cannellini beans in Italian dishes such as minestrone, fagioli's, in salads, pureed into bean spreads, and in other recipes calling for beans. Delicious used alone or in combination with other bean varieties. Like most beans, cannelloni beans benefit from soaking before cooking. Soak them for six to eight hours before cooking, or bring to a boil in water, remove from heat, cover and soak for 1 hour. Always drain soaking water before cooking. To cook add fresh water and cover the beans by two inches. Boil uncovered for about 10 minutes and skim off any foam. Traditionally, a strip of Kombu seaweed is used in Asia to help soften beans (added at the beginning of cooking). Cover pot and simmer for about one and a half hours. Add seasonings as desired; beans benefit from adding salt during the last half hour or so of cooking. Like most stored foods, beans are best stored in the absence of oxygen and light, which can speed rancidity and fade bean colour. Store in a cool dark pantry in our resealable bags or an airtight container. Refrigerated/frozen storage isn't recommended for dried beans, which will last for a year or more correctly stored in the pantry. Soak overnight or bring to a boil in water, remove from heat, cover and soak for 1 hour; drain before using in your favourite recipe.