Washington State produces over 40,000 acres of beans each year (8th rated state), of which Pinto, Red, White, and Black being the most common varieties. Beans are a member of the Legume family and are one of the oldest foods known to man, dating back over seven centuries. Today, America is by far the world leader in commercial bean production. Americans are also the chief consumers of these beans, with a per capita consumption of approximately 7.5 pounds.