Phaseolus Vulgaris

a.k.a. small whites, yankee bean

Named for their abundant use in the U.S. Navy since the mid-1800's, navy beans have remained a staple of the American diet. Mildly flavored, navy beans are widely used. Pork and beans, baked bean dishes, soups, stews, and chowders are some of the more common uses of navy beans. More adventurous cooks are using navy beans in pasta dishes, as spreads and for pate.