Originally from Oaxaca, Mexico, the Ayocote family was one of the first cultivated crops of the New World. The Ayocote Morado's big, beefy texture is perfect for those trying to cut out meat and eat a more plant-based diet, or for vegetarians who are cooking dinner for their omnivore friends.

No one will miss the meat when you toss them with good fruity olive oil, sauteed wild mushrooms, and a little too much garlic. Having said that, they'd be great as a side dish for a classic steak!

Ayocote Morado beans are grown all over central and northern Mexico but seem to have lost favor with Mexicans except in specific indigenous communities. If you plant them, you can enjoy the flowers, eat the pods as a broad bean, or shell them fresh for shelling beans. But we think the best way to enjoy their fully developed flavor is by cooking the dried beans.

Contents

• 1lb bag

About the Producer

Steve Sando of Rancho Gordo began selling heirloom beans at farmers markets after experiencing an epiphany with his first harvest of Rio Zape. He now runs an operation in Napa, California satisfying heirloom bean cravings around the country. A key part of his mission is to preserve the precious bean varieties that are indigenous to the Americas. A Rancho Gordo bean is a creamy indulgence that's delicious and good for you. We just love them.

This product is a part of the Rancho Gordo—XOXOC Project, which helps small farmers and producers in Mexico continue to grow their indigenous varieties and keep genetic diversity alive. Steve builds relationships with his suppliers over many years, ensuring a steady market for small-yield specialty products that might otherwise be lost due to the pressures to mass produce.