Rancho Gurdo - Worth the price diff & shipping?

[jjdbike]

Hello everyone,

I'm a BBQ fan & foodie that needs to cut way back on my budget. Wife & I retired and moving to SoCal to support son, his family & grandkids. That explains the budget challenge.

To my question, we're headed back home to PA to downsize and pack up our lives to relocate. We are doing one last BBQ. A combined celebration for our neighbor's daughters - one's birthday, and the other's graduation.

I'm thawing a smoked turkey breast (one is a pescatarian), smoking some bologna burnt ends (one turkey bologna chub, one beef ring bologna), vegetable casserole, and either beans or Mac & cheese. Obviously beans are healthier sooooo.

Been wanting to try the bologna thing and have just enough wood to do it. It'll a good way to use up last bit of wood before move.

I'm looking at a simple non-tomato bean recipe w/ my strong chicken stock, onions, sweet peppers, bay leaf, sweet BBQ rub (e.g. Meat Church Honey Hog).

I'm considering using grocery store black eye peas vs. Rancho Gurdo Yellow Eyes. I read people here writing about how wonderful and superior Rancho Gurdo beans are and I'm sure they're correct. Here's the heart of the question.
2 lbs of Rancho Gurdo Yellow Eye plus shipping is $23.50
2 lbs of local grocery store Black Eye Peas is $4.00

Are Gurdo Rancho beans worth $19.50 more?

Respectfully,
JD

[jfmorris]

Ouch! You are moving the wrong way, from a cost of living perspective at least, but I understand following family.

I really like the Rancho Gordo beans, but unless you are buying enough to get free shipping, its not worth it. I think you have to order $50 worth of stuff to get free shipping, so I order once or twice a year, as dried beans are a good pantry staple.

Just get the grocery store black eyed peas this time, and if you want to try Rancho Gordo, do it after the move, and order enough to get the free shipping.

[bbqLuv]

Ditto on moving the wrong direction. Weather is nice though.

[Huskee]

Here's a popular discussion on Rancho Gordo, I think you'll find it very informative: https://pitmaster.amazingribs.com/fo...-and-bean-club

[CaptainMike]

RG beans are very good but expensive. Helping someone with a "value" question is difficult as that is a personal choice based on a lot of variables, but it's nice to spurge for special occasions and in the grand scheme $20 bucks is not a lot of money. I have a little stash of RG beans in the pantry for just such occasions.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

Rancho Gordo beans have all been amazing. IMO buy 2lbs of the beans you want then buy some spices and other random beans to justify the shipping I think it's 50 bucks for free shipping?

[jjdbike]

Ouch! You are moving the wrong way, from a cost of living perspective at least, but I understand following family.

I really like the Rancho Gordo beans, but unless you are buying enough to get free shipping, its not worth it. I think you have to order $50 worth of stuff to get free shipping, so I order once or twice a year, as dried beans are a good pantry staple.

Just get the grocery store black eyed peas this time, and if you want to try Rancho Gordo, do it after the move, and order enough to get the free shipping.

Sounds like a great idea.

Yes the cost of living, the crowds, the cost of living, the traffic, the lack of seasons, and the cost of living... did I mention the cost of living? Was a very difficult decision, especially in these uncertain times. I struggle with this even now that we've made this decision. Family first, for better or worse.

Thanks!
JD

[Huskee]

That's an awesome perspective, sacrificing to help your son and his family. What a good mom & dad he has.

[Timbo54]

Go to the Rancho Gordo web site and plug in your zip code to see if they sell in a store near you. I see that they have several retailers in PA.

[Murdy]

Good call. I see there are a few places not-too-far from me.

[Hulagn1971]

Excellent point. I just looked up my zip code and there is a retailer down the road in Winston Salem. Cool!

[klflowers]

Rancho Gordo are expensive, but they are soooo much better than grocery store beans. I finally joined the bean club so I have a pantry full. I think that if you are going to order some, just order enough to get the free shipping. Order some exotic ones that you can't find in grocery stores. Warning though - if you like beans, you may be hooked.

[Texas Larry]

RG beans are a splurge, but I got so disgusted with the poor quality of grocery store beans around here that became a convert. For an occasional purchase it works for us, and SWMBO agrees. I also order Camellia red beans from Amazon for that fix.