Welcome to Discovering Beans, your guide to a massive, flavorful world that goes way beyond the grocery store. Ordinary store-bought beans are often five to eight years old (at least) by the time you buy them, which is why they can cook up chalky or mushy. Real heirloom beans, however, are sold at their peak freshness at around two years old - just enough time to dry properly while retaining a rich, creamy texture, consistent cook time, and superior nutrition.

Think of heirlooms as delicious pieces of living history. They are open-pollinated varieties passed down through generations, saved purely for their incredible taste. There are thousands of these unique varieties out there, and they all belong to the massive Fabaceae family. This giant botanical club encompasses every kind of bean you can imagine -  from lentils, chickpeas, and soybeans to peanuts, fava beans, and even clover. Whether you want to level up your cooking or you're just curious about what's on your plate, Discovering Beans is here to show you how exciting this world can get.