Expand your bean cooking repetoire with these great recipes from Rancho Gordo! The company, based in Napa Valley, CA is an heirloom bean (and corn, herb, chili and spice, and cookbook) company dedicated to furthering the education, consumption, growing and seed saving of these nutrition power houses. Their goal is to support Northern California agriculture as well as some growing projects in Mexico.

Beans are an indigenous food of north and south America and come in a surprising array of sizes, shapes and flavors. If you’re eating less meat these days beans are a vital source of protein, good fat, fiber, vitamins and minerals to base your diet on. Visit their website for much more information and ideas for preparation. Here are some samples of their recipes (with permission)

• Pasta e Fagioli with Escarole
• Slow Baked Garbanzos
• Deborah Madison’s Vegan Summer Posole
• Royal Corona Beans in Savory Tomato Sauce
• Rancho Gordo Posole Rojo
• Grilled Shrimp with White Beans, Sausage and Arugula
• Lentil Potato Stew