Few people know heirloom beans better than Steve Sando. In 2001, he founded cult-favorite bean company, Rancho Gordo in Napa, California, which focuses on heirloom varieties indigenous to the Americas. If you thought beans were boring, you don't know Rancho Gordo. Their dedicated legion of legume lovers is renowned—the Rancho Gordo Bean Club has a waiting list of more than 20,000 names and their impressive roster of fans has included chef celebs like Thomas Keller and the late Marcella Hazan. Steve Sando's latest cookbook, The Bean Book is a testament to why these legumes have inspired such fandom. A comprehensive guide to 50 heirloom varieties, it celebrates their unique flavors, colors, textures and versatility through beautiful photography and 100 recipes that highlight their deliciousness. If you enjoy eating beans, you need this book!

While here to meet Steve, shop our wide array of Rancho Gordo beans and sample two recipes from The Bean Book prepared by our kitchen: Beans a la Veracruzana (more on that below) and White Bean & Anchovy Dip. Both dishes will also be available for purchase to enjoy at home.