Over the past 19 years, Steve Sando’s California-based company, Rancho Gordo, has led the revival of interest in heirloom beans, taking the lowly bean from a healthy but neglected member of the vegetable family to a near superstar-status ingredient. From growing the best and most interesting beans available, to making sure all crops are fresh and a pleasure to cook with, Rancho Gordo’s mission is to encourage cooks to experience and enjoy the unique flavors of heirloom beans. Rancho Gordo produces roughly 30 varieties of heirloom beans and lentils, as well as corn, grains, chiles, and other cooking ingredients.