Wiinuuch Beans

A one-time staple of prehistoric peoples of the Colorado Plateau, these huge, colorful beans were lost to history — until they were rediscovered inside a clay pot within an ancient cliff dwelling in Southwestern Utah. From this handful of 800-year-old seeds, the beans were reintroduced to the region, and the world beyond.

Wiinuuch (“ancient ones”) beans are DELICIOUS, with a rich, meaty flavor and a creamy, almost potato-like texture when cooked. They pair well with smoked meat and cowboy-style preparations, as well as simple recipes that showcase their unique innate flavor. They’re so big that you only need a few beans to make a serving! You can buy them from my favorite farm-to-table restaurant, Hell’s Backbone Grill, in central Utah, where they’re grown and served charro-style.