Why You Should Be Buying Heirloom Beans



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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28 Comments

  1. 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.

  2. 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!

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

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