Phaseolus Vulgaris

a.k.a. Mexican beans,

Meaning "painted" in Spanish, the pinto bean shares its name and markings with the Pinto breed of horse. Like most multi-colored beans, pinto beans lose their variegation when cooked. Most commonly used in refried beans, pinto beans are used in an array of North and Central American dishes. Their robust, earthy flavor is similar to kidney and pink beans and can be used in substitution of either.