Rancho Gordo Pinto Beans

Napa, California bean purveyor Rancho Gordo has developed a cult following for their fresh, heirloom varieties that boast a more flavorful, rich and supple bean than their canned counterparts. Their Pintos—with their soft skins and creamy texture—are no exception. Quick-cooking, these beans don't need to be gussied up. Use them to make refried beans, toss them into chili, or simmer with aromatics and spices, like Wild Mountain Cumin from Burlap & Barrel and serve with carne asada.

For the uninitiated, it might seem odd that freshness matters when it comes to dried beans. But in fact, a dried bean is alive—remember that you can plant them! So knowing that Steve from Rancho Gordo only grows small amounts of his incredible heirloom beans means that each season, you're getting the freshest bean possible.