The black turtle bean is a small, black, oval shaped bean. They turn a dark brown color when cooked. This is a common bean in South and Central America.
High in iron, the black turtle bean has an earthy, sweet flavor. They cook up in 1/2 to 1 hour, expanding three times their dry size and are often served in thick soups with rice. This bean is a basic staple for many Mexican, Caribbean and Latin American soups and side dishes.