The Marcella is a cannellini bean with incredibly thin skin and when cooked properly, an indulgent creamy texture. You can use them in your kitchen as you would any small white, European-style bean, but with an ingredient like this, simple is often better.. Even though these beans are small, you should take your time and gently allow them to fully cook. They are edible quite soon after you start but the real creaminess comes with time and low, slow and gentle heat. The skins are almost not there, which means you can love them too much by constantly stirring them, and they will start to fall apart. Great for soups, pasta e fagioli, casseroles, dips. Cooking instructions: Check beans for debris, and rinse thoroughly. In a large pot, sauté aromatic vegetables (onions, garlic, celery, carrot, etc.) 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. Even though these beans are small, you should take your time and gently allow them to fully cook. They are edible quite soon after you start but the real creaminess comes with time and low, slow and gentle heat.
California
Rancho Gordo, a company specializing in heirloom beans, was founded by Steve Sando. The story of Rancho Gordo began in the early 2000s when Sando, a resident of Napa Valley, California, became interested in growing vegetables and started experimenting with heirloom beans. He discovered a wide variety of rare and unique bean varieties that were not commonly available in mainstream markets.
Sando's passion for preserving and promoting these heirloom beans led him to establish Rancho Gordo in 2001. The company's mission was to source, grow, and distribute heirloom bean varieties while supporting sustainable agriculture and small-scale farmers. Rancho Gordo's focus on high-quality, unique beans gained popularity among chefs, food enthusiasts, and home cooks who appreciated the distinct flavors and textures of these heirloom varieties.
Over the years, Rancho Gordo has expanded its product offerings beyond beans to include other pantry staples such as grains, chiles, and corn. The company's commitment to preserving culinary diversity, supporting small farmers, and providing consumers with access to exceptional ingredients has contributed to its success in the food industry.