Steve Sando - Rancho Gordo

Steve Sando is the founder and president of Rancho Gordo, a company that has transformed heirloom beans from a humble staple into a celebrated culinary ingredient. Since 2001, his commitment to preserving the indigenous crops of the Americas has driven the growth of a business that grows, imports, and promotes heirloom beans, corn, and chiles. Rancho Gordo works with chefs, farmers, and home cooks alike, creating a vibrant market for these once-neglected ingredients.

Steve’s journey began as a frustrated home cook in the San Francisco Bay Area. Unsatisfied with the limited selection of beans available in stores, he decided to grow his own, discovering a treasure trove of heirloom varieties with rich flavors and
fascinating histories. Recognizing their culinary potential, Steve set out to share these “superstar” beans with the world. Today, Rancho Gordo grows more than 25 varieties on the West Coast and partners with small-scale indigenous farmers in Mexico to bring rare, traditional beans to the U.S.

Based in Napa, California, Steve continues to champion the indigenous ingredients of the Americas. Whether traveling to Mexico to work with small farmers, developing new recipes in his kitchen, or connecting with customers through Rancho Gordo’s Bean Club, Steve remains dedicated to his mission: preserving the agricultural heritage of the Americas and sharing its incredible flavors with the world.