Heirloom Beans and Beyond: Inside Rancho Gordo with Steve Sando

In this episode of Chefs Without Restaurants, Chris Spear welcomes Steve Sando, the founder of Rancho Gordo, a company known for its heirloom beans. Steve shares his unconventional journey from a diverse range of careers, to becoming a renowned bean entrepreneur. They discuss the importance of preserving heirloom varieties, the benefits of cooking with beans, and the growing interest in sustainable agriculture.Topics Discussed:Steve's Journey: Steve recounts his eclectic career path, including his time as a web designer, leading up to his discovery and passion for heirloom beans.Heirloom Beans: The unique qualities of heirloom beans, their flavors, and the significance of preserving these varieties.Entrepreneurial Insights: Steve and Chris discuss the challenges and rewards of starting a business later in life, emphasizing that success can come at any age.Cooking Tips: Steve provides practical advice on cooking beans, including soaking methods, using pressure cookers, and the benefits of cooking with clay pots.Health and Nutrition: The nutritional benefits of beans and tips for those who may experience digestive discomfort.Bean Club: An inside look at Rancho Gordo's popular Bean Club, which boasts a waitlist of 30,000 people eager to join.STEVE SANDO & RANCHO GORDORancho Gordo WebsiteRacho Gordo Instagram and ThreadsOrder The Bean BookThe Cooking with Clay Facebook GroupCHEFS WITHOUT RESTAURANTSIf you enjoy the show and would like to support it financially, please check out our Sponsorship page (we get a commission when you use our links).Get the Chefs Without Restaurants NewsletterChefs Without Restaurants Instagram, Threads, TikTok and YouTubeThe Chefs Without Restaurants Private Facebook GroupChris Spear's personal chef business Perfect Little BitesGet in touchSupport the show