Bag of Rancho Gordo cranberry beans on a white background
Close-up of cranberry beans
Bowl of beans with oil on a wooden surface
Pasta dish with beans in a white bowl on a wooden surface

Cranberry Bean

$10.95
Rancho Gordo

Versatile and velvety, Rancho Gordo's thin-skinned Cranberry Bean produces a rich, indulgent broth, making it perfect for classic Italian dishes as well as simple pot beans. 

Thought to be originally from Colombia, this soft, dense bean has been bred around the world to become Madeira, Borlotti, Tounges of Fire, Wren’s Egg and more. The thin skins produce a rich bean broth, making it the natural companion of pasta e fagioli (pasta fazool), as the liquid coats each noodle with its luxurious sauce. 

In Mexico you'll find these as Cacahuate (peanut) beans. In Patzcuaro, you'll fall in love with them in a good Sopa Tarasca, which is about one third pureed cranberry beans, one third roasted tomatoes and one third chicken stock, topped off with some deep fried tortilla strips.

Suggested uses:  Minestrone soups, pasta e fagioli (pasta fazool), soups, casseroles, New England baked beans

Take a look at Rancho Gordo's Basic Bean Cooking for handy cooking and storing tips, then check out The Rancho Gordo Heirloom Bean Guide for more information and recipes.

Ingredients

cranberry beans
Specifications
  • 1 lb. bag
  • Latin name:  Phaseolus vulgaris
  • packed in the USA
Use

Check beans for debris, and rinse thoroughly. In a large pot, sauté aromatic vegetables in olive oil. Add beans and enough water to cover by about 2 inches. Bring to a full boil for 10 to 15 minutes.

Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, using a lid to help regulate the heat, and gently cook until done, 1 to 3 hours. Salt when the beans start to soften. A pre-soak of 2 to 6 hours will lessen the cooking time.
Further Reading

Founded by Steve Sando in 2001, Rancho Gordo is dedicated to preserving heirloom beans and Indigenous ingredients from the Americas. What began as a passion for growing and sharing unique beans has grown into a partnership with small farmers in the U.S. and Mexico, delivering exceptional ingredients while supporting sustainable agriculture and celebrating the region’s rich culinary traditions.

Discover more delicious heirloom beans and grains in our full Rancho Gordo collection.
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