I know about Rancho Gordo but I’d prefer not to make such a relatively large commitment. Can anyone recommend somewhere retail to buy some interesting obscure heritage beans?
There are retailers in and around LA that carry Rancho Gordo:
Zürsun is another good brand you can find locally:
Thank you! This was really helpful.
Yeah, there used to be great vendor called Rice and Beans at the Mar Vista Farmers Market. Sadly, they closed.
–Dommy!
It’s kind of a trip but if you’re up near Santa Barbara anyway: Lompoc Beans
And if you’re up that way, try out Industrial Eats in Buellton. I had a crazy good smoked pheasant salad there.
Looks like fresh cranberry beans as well.
Excellent!!! That was just like Rice and Beans! I loved that I could just buy one cup or something for Casoulette or soup!
–Dommy!
Good eye @robert. They usually have fresh shelling beans for lots of cultivars and, for those that have tasty pods, some fresh whole pods to treat like green beans.
@Dommy! Exactly. The beans are incredibly fresh and buying in bulk is where it’s at.
All that said, the selection isn’t as wide as Rancho Gordo and other specialty purveyors. I still use those companies for certain beans.