Cranberry beans are a type of bean that originated in Colombia and are now widely cultivated in Italy, Portugal, and the United States. They are a medium-sized bean, with a cream-colored background and reddish-brown speckles that resemble the color of cranberries, hence the name.

These beans have a mild, nutty flavor and a creamy texture. They are rich in nutrients, including protein, fiber, iron, and folate, and are a good source of complex carbohydrates. Cranberry beans can be used in a variety of dishes, such as soups, stews, salads, and pasta dishes. They can also be mashed or pureed to make dips and spreads. In Italian cuisine, cranberry beans are commonly used in minestrone soup, pasta e fagioli, and other bean-based dishes.