Black Beans are medium to small, oval shaped beans with a shiny black coat or skin, a small white eye or spot (called a “keel,”) a creamy white interior, and a pleasant mushroom-like flavor which some cooks have described as “earthy” or “meaty.” The beautiful glossy black color is actually a dark purple and is retained even when cooked. Although they are especially popular throughout much of the southern United States, the beans themselves are native to South and Central America, where they are a staple in South American, Mexican, and Caribbean cuisines. Black beans are widely used in salads, dips, and stews, and in thick soups, especially in Cuba, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and Spain.