Rancho Gordo Santa Maria Pinquito Beans

The Classic Bean for California Barbecues

Santa Maria Pinquito Beans—from Rancho Gordo, champions of preserving heirloom beans from California, the Americas and the New World—are an essential part of Californian cuisine dating back to the Mission era. Don't be fooled by their size, these petite terra cotta-hued beans are bursting with nutty, earthy notes and have a creamy yet deliciously hearty texture.

Santa Maria Pinquito Beans—traditionally paired with grilled Santa Maria-style tri-tip—are spectacular simply prepared with a little onion, garlic and oregano. These heirloom beans also make a welcome addition to soups, chili and bean salads.

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.