The duration for which black turtle beans are immersed in water prior to cooking is a crucial determinant of the final texture and digestibility of the legume. This process, known as soaking, involves submerging the dried beans in a liquid, typically water, for a specific period. The length of this immersion period directly impacts the bean’s ability to absorb moisture, which consequently affects cooking time and overall palatability.
Proper hydration through soaking yields several benefits. It significantly reduces cooking time, conserving energy and time. More importantly, it aids in the removal of oligosaccharides, complex sugars known to cause intestinal gas and discomfort. Historically, soaking has been a common practice in bean preparation, passed down through generations as a method to improve both the taste and the ease of digestion.