A remarkable heirloom bean with an equally remarkable history, Rio Zape is the variety that helped inspire the beginnings of Rancho Gordo. Related to the pinto bean, it cooks up rich and velvety, with subtle notes of coffee and chocolate and a deeply satisfying, creamy texture.
Rio Zape has roots in the American Southwest and Durango, Mexico, with examples of the bean discovered at historic archaeological sites. It is exactly the kind of ingredient we love: humble, storied, full of character, and capable of turning a simple meal into something memorable.
Beautiful simply simmered and served as pot beans, or used in soups, dips, refried beans, and casseroles.
Photography by Steve Sando, Founder of Rancho Gordo.
A remarkable heirloom bean with an equally remarkable history, Rio Zape is the variety that helped inspire the beginnings of Rancho Gordo. Related to the pinto bean, it cooks up rich and velvety, with subtle notes of coffee and chocolate and a deeply satisfying, creamy texture.
Rio Zape has roots in the American Southwest and Durango, Mexico, with examples of the bean discovered at historic archaeological sites. It is exactly the kind of ingredient we love: humble, storied, full of character, and capable of turning a simple meal into something memorable.
Beautiful simply simmered and served as pot beans, or used in soups, dips, refried beans, and casseroles.
Photography by Steve Sando, Founder of Rancho Gordo.
