Beans in Jars - Why are they better?

If you've ever wandered down a supermarket aisle in Spain, you might have noticed something striking: rows of beans and pulses in glass jars. Not packets, but... jars. Why do Spanish cooks favour beans in jars and why are they gaining popularity with chefs and food lovers across the UK? Let's take a closer look at the story, the quality difference, and why premium jarred beans deserve some shelf space in your pantry.

Why Jarred Beans are Special

Beans in jars offer several benefits that make them stand out in any kitchen:

• Perfect Texture: Gentle cooking preserves soft, delicate skins and creates creamy, rich interiors.
• Pure Flavour: Glass packaging protects the natural taste, allowing the full character of each bean to shine.
• Nutrient-Rich: High in fibre, protein, and essential minerals, beans in glass jars retain their nutritional value.
• Ready to Use: Convenient and versatile, they are ideal for salads, stews, and grain bowls.
• Visual Confidence: Transparent jars let you see exactly what you're getting - uniform, intact beans that look as good as they taste.

Burcol: Over 30 Years of Pulse Excellence

Founded in 1990 in Cabanillas del Campo, North East of Madrid, Burcol has spent more than three decades perfecting their production of pulses. A family-run business at heart, Burcol combines traditional selection methods with modern expertise to ensure every bean is of exceptional quality.

Their philosophy is simple: "We give our customers only what we would serve in our own home." Every jar reflects this ethos - carefully sourced, meticulously packed, and ready to elevate your cooking.

What Makes Burcol Beans Stand Out?

• Meticulous Selection: Each variety is chosen for size, skin quality and structural integrity to ensure cooking consistency.
• Creamy Texture: This careful selection process results in a pulse with a wonderful creamy texture, a delicate interior that is equally suited to rustic stews or salads.
• Rigorous Quality Control: From cleaning and sorting to final packaging, every stage is carefully monitored to guarantee purity, flavour, and texture.
• Sustainably Packed: Glass jars preserve freshness and are fully recyclable, supporting environmentally conscious cooking.
• Diverse Range: From classic chickpeas and lentils to premium "Gran Selección" lines, Burcol high-quality pulses are perfect for everything from rustic Spanish stews to modern plant-forward cuisine.

Health Benefits of Beans & Pulses

Jarred beans are not only convenient and delicious - they're nutritional powerhouses. They are naturally:

• High in fibre to support digestion
• Rich in plant-based protein
• Packed with essential minerals like iron and magnesium
• Slow-release energy sources that keep you full for longer
• Including premium jarred pulses in your diet supports both flavourful cooking and healthy eating.

Cooking with Jarred Beans

Jarred beans bring restaurant-quality texture and flavour straight to your pantry. They are perfect for:

• Salads and grain bowls
• Soups & Stews
• Plant-forward dishes
• Quick, nourishing weeknight meals
• Every jar offers consistent quality and immediate usability, making it easy to cook confidently and creatively with them.

Explore our collection of recipes using pulses & grains:

Explore Our Full Range of Pulses & Grains

Discover our full collection of premium jarred butter beans, white beans, lentils and chickpeas, alongside nutritious grains and rice. From everyday meals to special recipes, these premium pulses deliver exceptional texture, clean flavour, and authentic Spanish heritage.

SHOP PULSES & GRAINS COLLECTION →

Frequently Asked Questions About Jarred Beans

Are beans in a jar better than canned beans?

Beans in a jar are considered higher quality than canned beans because they are gently cooked and stored in glass, which helps preserve texture and flavour. Many food lovers find jarred beans creamier, more intact, and less metallic-tasting than canned varieties.

Do you need to rinse jarred beans before using them?

Usually, no. The liquid in jarred beans is typically clean, mild, and flavourful. However, you can rinse them if a recipe calls for it or if you prefer a lighter taste. We'd even encourage you to use the liquid that the beans are stored in to add volume to soups and stews, it is full of goodness and delicious bean flavours.

Are jarred beans already cooked?

Yes. Jarred beans are fully cooked and ready to eat. You can add them straight to salads, soups, stews, or grain bowls without soaking or boiling.

Are jarred beans more expensive?

Premium jarred beans often cost a little more because they are made from carefully selected pulses, slow-cooked for optimal texture, and packed in glass rather than tins. The result is a higher-quality product with superior taste and consistency. There are some brands on the market that are considerably more expensive - our Burcol range of premium jarred beans does represent excellent value.

How long do jarred beans last?

Unopened jars typically last for many months or even years when stored in a cool, dry cupboard. Once opened, keep them refrigerated and consume within a few days.

Are jarred beans healthy?

Yes. Jarred beans are naturally rich in fibre, plant-based protein, vitamins, and minerals. They're an excellent ingredient for balanced diets, vegetarian meals, and healthy everyday cooking.

What dishes can you make with jarred beans?

They're incredibly versatile. Use them in salads, stews, soups, tapas dishes, grain bowls, casseroles, or simply dressed with olive oil, herbs, and seasoning for a quick side dish.