These vibrant, flavorful legumes give new meaning to the phrase “cool beans.” Are they worth seeking out? Tasting expert Jack Bishop takes a deep dive into heirloom beans.
Read our full review and taste-test:
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I love Rancho Gordo beans – my favorites are Royal Corona beans and Scarlet Runner.
Wow!! Ok thanks never seen them before..interesting..and pretty colors
I love love Rancho Gordo beans and love being a member so I can receive new beans.
It is unfortunate how expensive, for some, it is to obtain the Rancho Gordo beans unless, I suppose, you live IN CALIFORNIA where they are available without shipping; that cost to those of us a long way away is a stunner. But I love Jack Bishop and believe every word he says! In the meantime, I will continue to be happy with the Louisiana Camellia beans that natives will use exclusively and I totally get it. Better dried beans (heirloom or not) do make a big difference!💕 – one day perhaps they will be available here in Atlanta! p.s. just ordered and can't wait until they arrive.
We love Rancho Gordo beans
I recently placed an order at Rancho Gordo. I'm very pleased. Thank you for telling us about this.
Try growing them yourself. Try Scarlet Runner beans are big and purple/white. Growing beans for drying is easy. They ate pole beans and you let them dry on the plant, then remove from the pods and store. Couldn't be easier!
Where does one find Heirloom beans?
I have made my first purchase of several varieties of heirloom beans and some outstanding import ed anchovies. I am extremely impressed with the quality of packaging and professional appearance of the products. Jack is right about every one he recommended.
Wow! I didn't know about heirloom beans. I'm going to try them out.
Interesting!
No thanks. I’ll continue to purchase my beans in a can, as God intended.
I like Peruvian beans
Hidatsa or shield beans originating from a tribe in the Dakotas are a fabulous bean. Look a lot like the last ones featured. Yummy and meaty bean. May be hard to find.
I didn't know the heirloom beans were fresher. When I had a home I planted heirloom everything veggie & fruit, miss it
Love this! I never knew there was a difference in dried beans until I bought some Rancho Gordo beans (at a cooking blog's suggestion). I had always thought a dried bean was a dried bean. I was so wrong. That first bite of Marcella beans was absolutely transcendent.
👍
Why do they describe every single bean they sell as "meaty?" Have these people ever tasted meat?
Those look and sound great. I will definitely try them. You might try tiger eye beans they are really rich and creamy to the max
We always called them speckled butter beans growing up and they are SO much better than any other bean. They're insanely delicious.
BEANS
Those beans are pretty looking . Love beans.
I like this widely sourced comparison in contrast with the other taste test comparisons of products only available in supermarkets which ignore specialty stores which most people have access to.
I love Rancho Gordo beans so much I’m in their bean club.😄 The Royal Corona are fabulous in a simple preparation like you described. The Mayocopa beans have such great flavor.
How would you you ok Christmas Lima beans
Thanks Jack
and you can grow them…
Yup, definitely cool beans! Great information, thank you. I can hardly wait to try these.