Pantry · Napa, California
Rancho Gordo
Napa's heirloom bean company, built on Mexican farming traditions.
- Founded by
- Steve Sando
- Based in
- Napa, California
Their story
Rancho Gordo is the life's work of Steve Sando, a Bay Area native who tried radio, publishing and web design before finding his calling in beans. He started by growing a small crop on two acres in Napa and selling it at the Yountville farmers market.
Chefs took notice, with Thomas Keller's restaurants using the beans by 2003. Online sales followed in 2005, and the company now runs a shop and warehouse in Napa. Its quarterly Bean Club has tens of thousands of members and a long waitlist.
How it's made
Rancho Gordo sources heirloom beans from several countries, especially Mexico, working directly with Mexican farmers to keep traditional varieties in the ground. The range also includes other Mexican pantry goods, such as dried xoconostle and banana vinegar from a family farm in Veracruz.
Our featured pick
Scarlet Runner Heirloom Beans (16OZ)
$8.50
Big, beefy runner bean with gorgeous markings. Cooks from starchy to creamy and is a constant chef's favorite.
Shop Rancho Gordo
37 in stock
Why we carry them
We think Rancho Gordo beans can win over anyone raised on canned. Cook a pot of Royal Corona or Midnight Black and taste how fresh dried beans can be.
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