Get to know
Flor de Mayo
Overview
Tasting notes: Sweet • Smooth • Robust
Grown by: Carlos and Ana María Albarrán, Morelos, Mexico
Harvested: November 2023
Practices: Builds healthy soils, preserves cultural heritage, diverse crop rotations
Why we chose it
Lesley first tasted Flor de Mayo on a sourcing trip to Zacatecas in 2019, and it was love at first bite. These beans are plump and creamy yet firm, with a slightly nutty flavor – and they’re undeniably beautiful. Initially, we focused on a limited number of varieties for planting, so Flor de Mayo didn’t make the cut. But when the women-owned, Mexico-based bean purveyor La Commandanta approached us about collaborating, Lesley knew this was her chance to finally share Flor de Mayo.
Beloved by cooks across Central Mexico, Flor de Mayo beans are celebrated for their rich flavor, striking pattern, and versatility in traditional dishes. They’ll elevate your pinto bean recipes to new heights, but they’re equally at home in winter soups and stews.
The sourcing backstory
These speckled purple beauties come to us by way of La Comandanta – female-powered bean purveyors based in Mexico. We’ve been in touch for so many years about collaborating, and we’re thrilled it finally came to life so we could expand our shared mission of sourcing traditional, regional beans and getting them into the hands of home cooks. The Albarrán family of Morelos, Mexico, grows our Flor de Mayo organically, along with a diverse range of other crops (tomatoes, chiles, and cucumbers, to name a few!) on their thriving, small-scale farm.
Get cookin'
Cook beans according to our step-by-step cooking guide, then plate the beans as they are, use them in a recipe, or go off-script and create something new.
Broth notes:
Full-bodied, rich, smoky
Suggested produce pairings:
Winter squash, cabbage, mushrooms, lime
Bonus tips:
- Bring out the beans’ flavor with a squeeze of lime.
- Pair with charred vegetables for an elevated smoky flavor.
PB recipe picks:
- Caramelized cabbage with Hawaij-braised beans (exclusive member recipe)
- Tom kha sopa de frijol
- Turkey & bean chili with delicata squash
- Brothy beans with sautéed mushrooms and sage pesto
Head to the PB Blog for more recipes to celebrate Chaparro!