What pigment compounds are responsible for the dark exterior color of turtle beans?
Answer
Anthocyanins
The deep, almost black color observed on the exterior of these beans is directly attributed to pigments known as anthocyanins. These specific compounds are powerful antioxidants, sharing their presence with fruits like blueberries and blackberries. Their presence signals a rich supply of beneficial compounds that function by fighting off cellular damage within the body, essentially acting as protective armor for cells. This antioxidant capacity derived from anthocyanins is a major nutritional feature distinguishing these dark legumes.

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