kidney beans extract, botanical name Phaseolus vulgaris L., just as its name suggests, the kidney bean is shaped like a kidney, and the White Kidney Beans that are white in color are known as cannellini beans. It has the same scientific name with other beans such as pinto beans, navy beans and black bean, all they are referred to as "common beans" probably owing to the fact that the all derived from a common bean ancestor that originated in Peru. They spread throughout South and Central America as a result of migrating Indian traders who brought kidney beans with them from Peru. Beans were introduced into Europe in the 15th century by Spanish explorers returning from their voyages to the New World. Subsequently, Spanish and Portuguese traders introduced kidney beans into Africa and Asia. As beans are a very inexpensive form of good protein, they have become popular in many cultures throughout the world. Today, the largest commercial producers of dried common beans are India, China, Indonesia, Brazil and the United States.