Strong Pantry: Beans

More and more heirloom beans are being grown by local farmers, and you can find a rainbow of offerings at many farmers’ markets. Each bean has a different texture and cooking time. Ask your farmer or vendor about a particular bean’s characteristics if you’re not familiar with it. Record any of those notes and store with the beans for a reminder when you do end up cooking them.

I keep both dried and canned beans on hand. I generally soak beans overnight for more even and faster cooking. You can cook dried beans without soaking; it will just take longer.