Uses of Beans. Because seeds contain much protein, beans are useful as a meat substitute and in different parts of the world are a characteristic itemâoften a stapleâof the national fare. Baked beans, cooked for hours with pork or molasses or both, are a traditional New England dish. Share | Cite. Because seeds contain much protein, beans are useful as a meat substitute and in different parts of the world are a characteristic itemâoften a stapleâof the national fare.
Shoppers take note: Costco announced this week it is increasing its membership fees by 1o percent starting Nov. 1, just in time for the holiday season.
All signs point to an increase next year in the cost of an annual Costco Wholesale (cost) membership, according to a Wall Street analyst. A Costco membership allows individual and business to buy items in bulk, from paper towels to mustard to detergent, at much lower prices than they'd find everywhere. (Costco's gross margins are about 11%, compared to low 20s for discount stores and upper 30s for department stores.)