Pinto beans are similar to speckled quail eggs in their appearance and are dotted in red-brown. When cooked, the beans lose their dots.

Normal cooking time for pinto beans is approx. 1 ½ - 2 hours. Pinto beans soaked in water only require approx. 45-60 minutes.

When cooked, the pinto bean absorbs the taste of other ingredients. Pinto beans cook well with herbs, i.e. thyme and garlic, as well as lemon juice.