Dry Beans

Dry beans are bought by variety and by end use, and the two are tightly linked. Navy beans go overwhelmingly to canning, where the specification is narrower than general food grade: uniform size, consistent hydration, skin integrity through the retort and a low incidence of hard seeds. Pinto, black, kidney and cranberry beans go to dry retail packs, prepared foods and food service, where tolerances are wider.

The origin note that catches buyers is routing. Much of Canada's bean production sits in Ontario and Manitoba rather than the western pulse belt, so shipments frequently move through eastern ports. Confirm the origin province before modelling freight on a Vancouver assumption.

Crop year matters for canners specifically: older crop hydrates differently and it is noticed.