Help me up my BEAN GAME

[Attjack]

I've decided I should eat more beans and have been eating black beans as part of my breakfast. I was buying canned beans (Aunt Penny's) but then I bought a 4# bag of Iberia black beans for $6 and have been cooking them in the Instant Pot. I've been enjoying them but I'm wondering about a better bean. Do you have any recommendations for me?

[ofelles]

Anything Ranch Gordo

https://www.ranchogordo.com/

[troymeister]

Yup...Rancho Gordo...For sure!! The Pinquito Beans so far are my favorite. fzxdoc convinced me to try. I would say she is the resident Expert...

[jfmorris]

Yep - highly recommended. And I bet he finds them in the store in California, without having to order online...

[Steve B]

fzxdoc

[Attjack]

I'm ordering 2 pounds each of the 3 types of black beans. I need to add 1 pound for free shipping. What other variety should I try?

[Attjack]

I ask because what I know about beans doesn't even amount to a hill of them. I just know I don't love refried beans so I always order black beans in my burrito.

[barelfly]

Pinquitos are amazing. They are all good.

I’m cooking a pot of RG beans this weekend with the brisket I’m making. Can’t wait!

[labbq]

My vote is mayocoba if you still haven’t placed your order. Delicious!

[efincoop]

I'm following this thread as I also want to learn more about beans. I have seen Ranch Gordo mentioned a bunch and I have checked out their site, but have no idea where to begin with purchasing or cooking them.

[Panhead John]

Me too! Rancho Gordo is mentioned a LOT here as people’s favorite beans. I’ve never tasted them either, but am curious what makes them so much better? To me, dried beans are dried beans, but I know I’m wrong according to their praise here on this site. klflowers is also a big fan.

[Attjack]

barelfly Thanks, I'm going to get a pound of Santa Maria Pinquito Bean and pair them with tri-tip. I still need one more variety to get free shipping.

[ecowper]

Pinquitos, Marcellas, and Flageolets from Rancho Gordo are my most favorite beans :-)

[barelfly]

Here is my current stash.

Regular pinto beans are great. Staple bean in New Mexican cuisine, even have a few ranches here in New Mexico that grow great pinto beans.

but the others are what I keep on hand as well. I think fzxdoc was who I saw recommend the King City Pinks that I like.

[DaveD]

Put me down for the "I also want to learn more about beans" squad.

[Old Glory]

Following as well

[Draznnl]

I too look forward to a bean education.

[bbqLuv]

Silence of the beans, Beano

[LA Pork Butt]

Growing up in New Orleans we had Red Beans and Rice almost every week, but all red Beans are not created equal. I they are dark red they will never cream up. I recommend Camellia Brand. They are the preferential bran in New Orleans. You will also find a wealth of instant pot recipes on their website.

[Attjack]

I have been considering red beans as the final part of my order just to make red beans and rice. But you're saying don't get them from Rancho Gordo and get Camellia instead?

[LA Pork Butt]

Attjack I don’t know Rancho Gordo beans. All of Camellia beans have been good, but if you want creamy red beans you have to get light colored red beans. Dark red beans won’t come out creamy. If Rancho Gordo red beans are light colored I think they will work just fine.

[SheilaAnn]

RGB RGB RGB! The list above is rather dated, but lists a lot of their beans. I’ll take pictures when I get to work on Friday. My market carries one of the biggest selection outside of the website. We are already planning our RG Bean Dinner Event for October!

[IowaGirl]

There is a "whole foods" type store in my local area that carries R.G. cranberry beans, and I've cooed with them enough that they've become a favorite. When cooked they become soft and velvety and make a nice creamy "gravy" but don't break up into mush. They're good as refried beans and nice in soups and stews where a creamy textured bean is welcome. I can't use a whole pound at a time, so I cook them, portion into vacuum sealer bags, and freeze.

[fzxdoc]

Thanks for posting this list, SheilaAnn. When I do unsoaked beans in the IP, I'm always nudging upwards of 55 min pn High with full NPR. I don't like finding even a single crunchy bean in the batch when I'm done. Still this is a good reference to have.

Kathryn

[SheilaAnn]

Pitmasters, if you want this list, I can get copies and email them to you. Let me know!

[58limited]

Try the Vaquero beans. Mostly like a pinto but look like a Holstein cow. One thing about Rancho Gordo beans: they are fairly fresh, not several years old like a lot of commodity dry beans. You can plant the Rancho Gordos and grow more if so inclined.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

I have 5 or 6 planted for this year, we'll see what happens... I like the vaquero's better than pintos.

[Alan Brice]

I had several varieties sprout a couple days after soaking. Planted outside n the bun buns did not even wait for the fruit. Leaves stems gone. I will give another go again this year.
Credit fzxdoc for telling about RGB. They will send literature about, with their product.