Ceci Neri, or black garbanzo beans, are a unique Italian variety with a striking charcoal-black color. Don’t let their appearance fool you—they offer a firm texture and a rich, earthy, nutty flavor. Denser than classic garbanzos, they're perfect for salads, stews, and baked dishes. The plants form medium-sized bushes and are harvested like other garbanzo varieties once dry. Black garbanzos are slightly higher in protein, fiber, iron, folate, and antioxidants compared to white chickpeas.