The History of Cannellini Beans

Like many other types of beans, cannellini beans are native to the Americas. More specifically, they are thought to have originated in what is now Peru before spreading throughout South America. In the late 19th century, waves of Italians immigrated to Argentina and discovered the beans there. Because the beans resembled an Italian candy known as cannellini ricci, the newly arrived Italians began referring to them as "cannellini beans." The Italian immigrants quickly integrated cannellini beans into their culinary traditions, and through trade, the beans also made their way back to Italy itself, where they became a key part of the cuisine. Today, cannellini beans are closely associated with Italian cooking and play a key role in many popular dishes; they are also widely consumed in other parts of the world, including the United States.