Heirloom beans are having a moment and perhaps no one understands that better than Steve Sando, founder and CEO of Rancho Gordo, a company who specializes in preserving and promoting rare and traditional bean varieties. When Steve stopped by KQED Forum recently, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to ask him: Which bean is the MOST dramatic?
He didn’t pause for an instant before answering: The Royal Corona. This massive, creamy heirloom bean has a history as wild as its attitude. It originates from Oaxaca, bred in Italy, grown in Poland, and is now beloved by bean enthusiasts everywhere.
But can Josh handle its high-maintenance diva energy? After tracking down a bag, he gave them the royal treatment — soaking, stewing, and baking them into a dish that would hopefully let their personality shine. And because we love a high-risk kitchen move, we paired them with shrimp. Because why not pair something that’s easy to overcook with something that’s easy to undercook?
Listen to the KQED Forum interview with Rancho Gordo founder Steve Sando.
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