Please don’t ask me to tell you the name of my favorite bean. It changes daily! I love all the heirlooms we grow for different reasons. But if I were to be sent to a desert island, these are the five varieties I couldn’t do without, even though I’d probably have a different list tomorrow.
This is one of our most popular gift boxes and with good reason. I would be happy to be alone on an island with these five beans.
SANTA MARIA PINQUITO: A very small, chili-type bean that is loaded with a delicious pot liquor and meaty texture; a perfect match for any barbecue, chili or even salad. These beans don’t need doctoring up! Just some onions, garlic, a little fat and your pot of beans is ready for summer, and beyond.
MIDNIGHT BLACK: Midnight is a true black turtle bean with a rich, traditional black bean flavor and texture, unlike our Black Valentine, which is a wonderful black bean, but it’s more in the kidney bean family.Use in any recipe calling for black or turtle beans or just enjoy on their own. These are incredibly fresh so little, if any, soaking is required.
ALUBIA BLANCA: Classic Alubia beans are one of our more requested items. You can use these small white European-style beans in all kinds of cooking, from Yankee baked beans to soups to Italian “beans on toast.” They have a thin skin but still manage to hold their shape, making them ideal for salads.
CLASSIC CRANBERRY: Cranberry beans only look like cranberries. And even then, I don’t quite see it. Originally from South America, these beans have been bred around the world and have become Madeira, Borlotti, Tounges of Fire, Wren’s Egg and many more. This is the classic from Colombia and are perfect for any recipe calling for a “cranberry” bean.
YELLOW EYE: Unlike Navy beans, which have a slightly gummy, babyfood texture, Yellow Eyes are dense, creamy and delicious. Great Northerns can be plain boring. Replace Navys or Great Northerns with Yellow Eyes and your dish becomes a feast. You can have them on their own or use them with a smoked ham hock. I don’t think there’s a better bean for Senate Navy Bean Soup. Also excellent for a simple vegetarian soups.
Order the Rancho Gordo Desert Island Sampler now.
