Great Northern beans are a type of white bean that are small to medium in size and have a delicate, nutty flavor. They are botanically classified as Phaseolus vulgaris, which is the same classification as other common beans such as red kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, pink beans, and navy beans. Great Northern beans were developed by South American Indian farmers and are popular in North America. They are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, casseroles, and salads. They can also be mixed with other types of beans or used as a substitute for navy beans and cannellini beans. While they are similar to cannellini beans in terms of color and taste, they are smaller and round in shape. Great Northern beans have a firm flesh and medium size that make them a good choice for almost any application.