Why We’re Adding This Unexpected Ingredient To Beans

We’ve heard of all sorts of tricks when it comes to preparing beans, from soaking them in water overnight to adding a pinch of baking soda. But there’s one legendary trick from one of our editors that really got people talking—and we believe it’s an “old wive’s tale” that has some legs, or rather, roots.

A Family’s Secret Ingredient

Senior Editorial Producer Ivy Odom tosses a carrot in her beans, specifically when she makes black-eyed peas.

“My momma taught me how to make black-eyed peas,” Odom shared “because her grandmother told her, ‘Every time you make a pot of black-eyed peas, throw a carrot in, and you will not have gas.'”

It’s a lesson passed down honestly, and we take her word for it—after all, it certainly can’t hurt. If the consequences are as serious as they are, why not add a carrot?

“I never cook a pot of black-eyed peas without throwing a carrot in there, because I don’t want the after effects,” she says.

Is Boiling A Carrot With Beans An Old Wives’ Tale?

Well, yes. There’s not any definitive research to support the carrot theory. But while we might still recommend adding a pinch of baking soda to help break things down anyway, there’s something about the legend that simply works. Whether it’s the placebo effect or simply Southern charm, it’s worth a try. And if it doesn’t work? At least you get a sweet boiled carrot out of it.

Other Methods For Reducing Gas

Where there’s a problem (gas), Southerners have a solution. Here a few other ideas to get your digestive system rolling:

• Soak beans: The tried-and-true method. Soaking beans eight hours or overnight naturally softens and tenderizes beans to help the sugars break down when cooking. 
• Add baking soda: This trick is scientifically proven to speed up bean cooking—a phenomenon of breaking down those oligosaccharides that our bodies have a tough time digesting.
• Take a supplement: If all else fails, digestive enzyme supplements put in a little extra work to break down those tough sugars.