FAQs

Foodocracy is a woman-owned independent marketplace supporting small, independent farms and artisans practicing clean, healthy farming methods. We were founded to balance the playing field with big food companies and support small producers who grow in harmony with nature. Our beans and grains are non-GMO and never sprayed with glyphosate. We sell heirloom beans, ancient grains, artisan spices, olive oil, and seasonal ingredients. In 2025, when the Primary Beans founder stepped aside, Foodocracy decided to continue that mission, so Primary Beans is now available through the Foodocracy site and select small retailers.

Primary Beans is a woman-founded company born from a love of beans and the desire to spread the joy of beans while supporting small farms doing soil-first agriculture. In 2025, the Primary Beans founder stepped aside and Foodocracy decided to continue the mission. Primary Beans is now available through the Foodocracy site and select small retailers, maintaining the same commitment to farm-fresh heirloom beans and earth-first farming practices that made Primary Beans beloved.

Our beans are:

• Farm Fresh: Recently harvested and processed, incredibly fresh compared to grocery store beans that may be 2-5+ years old
• Traceable: Primary Beans include the farmer's name and harvest date on the package
• Heirloom Varieties: We source rare, traditional varieties you won't find in stores, like Ayocote Morado, Tiger Eye, and Vaquita Negro beans
• Never Sprayed with Glyphosate: Our beans and grains are grown without glyphosate (Roundup) sprayed on the crops
• Non-GMO: Our beans and grains are all non-GMO
• Earth-First Practices: Our farmers use healthy farming practices that work in harmony with nature
• Better Flavor & Texture: Fresh beans have superior taste, creamy texture, and richer bean broth

Earth-first farming means growing in harmony with nature rather than against it. Our partner farms use healthy farming practices like:

• Soil-first agriculture: Prioritizing soil health as the foundation of nutritious food
• Traditional methods: Time-tested practices passed down through generations
• Never GMO: All our beans and grains are non-GMO
• No synthetic chemicals on beans and grains: Our beans and grains are never sprayed with glyphosate or harsh pesticides
• Working with nature: Practices that support biodiversity and ecosystem health
• Small-scale farming: Family farms that care for their land

These practices result in healthier soil, more nutritious food, and support for rural farming communities.

Our crops come from small farms in rural communities across the US and Mexico. From the sea islands of South Carolina to the tiny village of San Pedro Temamatla in Puebla, Mexico, we support small farms practicing traditional agriculture.

In the US, our farms are located in:

• Wisconsin
• Illinois
• Idaho
• Washington
• South Carolina
• Arizona
• Oregon
• California

In Mexico, our farms are located in:

• Morelos
• Guerrero
• Puebla

Primary Beans products list the specific farm and harvest date on each package.

Many of our beans and grains are USDA Certified Organic, and products marked 'organic' on our website are certified. However, not all small farms can afford the expensive organic certification process. All our beans and grains, whether certified organic or not, are non-GMO and never sprayed with glyphosate. Our farmers follow earth-first farming practices that often exceed conventional organic standards. We work directly with farmers we trust and support their commitment to healthy farming.

Glyphosate (sold as Roundup) is a widely-used herbicide that has been linked to health concerns. Conventional farming often uses glyphosate as a desiccant (drying agent) on beans and grains right before harvest. Our beans and grains are never sprayed with glyphosate, the crops themselves are not treated with it. We have a strict commitment: the beans and grains we source are grown without glyphosate application on the plants.

La Comandanta is our sourcing partner in Mexico, a cooperative network that connects us with smallholder farmers in regions like Puebla and Oaxaca. They help preserve rare heirloom bean varieties and support traditional farming techniques like milpa agriculture. Through this partnership, we can offer unique varieties like Ayocote Morado, Vaquita Negro, and Flor de Mayo beans while ensuring fair prices and sustainable practices for Mexican family farms.

Beans are harvested once a year in the fall through winter and become available in stores in the spring. After harvest, it takes 3-5 months for beans to be cleaned, milled, and packaged. So in the fall, you may see beans with a harvest date from the previous year, but those are actually the freshest beans you can get! They've just completed processing from the most recent harvest. This is very different from grocery store beans, which can be 3-5+ years old. Fresh beans cook faster, taste better, and don't require soaking.

Harvest dates (featured on Primary Beans products) tell you exactly how fresh your beans are. Beans are at their peak of freshness in the first 2-3 years after harvest. Like coffee or spices, beans deliver their best flavor and nutritional value when fresh. Older beans become dry, requiring longer cooking times and delivering less flavor. Primary Beans prints harvest dates on every package, giving you transparency about freshness, something virtually no other bean brand does.

Our beans are so fresh they cook up quickly with no soaking! Soaking only cuts down on cooking time. However, some people who experience gastrointestinal distress have found that soaking and discarding the water helps make the beans more digestible for them. We don't soak our beans, with the exception of large or exceptionally long-cooking beans like Ayocote, Christmas Lima, or Tepary beans. For detailed soaking guidance, check out our Bean Cooking Guide at shopfoodocracy.com/blogs/guides.

Cooking times vary by bean type and method. See our Bean Cooking Times Guide for specific times. 

Generally:

• Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker: 25-45 minutes (no soaking), 15-30 minutes (soaked)
• Stovetop: 1 hour to 3 hours depending on variety
• Slow Cooker: 6-8 hours on high, 8-12 hours on low

Everything from the weather to water harness can effect cooking times so we recommend watching the pot and not the clock. Bean texture should be soft and creamy but not falling apart. If beans are still hard or gritty in texture cook longer. Add salt to the cooking water for optimal texture and flavor. Fresh beans cook significantly faster than old beans.

The stovetop low and slow method delivers the most even hydration and best texture. The Instant Pot is a great choice for speed and convenience. We use both methods! For maximum flavor:

• Add aromatics: bay leaf, kombu, garlic, onion
• Salt at the beginning (contrary to old advice, salt helps beans stay intact)
• Cover beans with 2-3 inches of water
• Save the bean broth! It's liquid gold for soups and sauces

For detailed cooking instructions and techniques, visit our Bean Cooking Guide at shopfoodocracy.com/blogs/guides.

Absolutely! One 1-pound bag of dried beans equals approximately 3 cans of beans (about 6 cups cooked). Dried beans are:

• More economical (better value per serving)
• Better for the environment (less packaging, smaller carbon footprint)
• Better tasting (no metallic taste, you control seasoning)
• You get incredible bean broth instead of mystery liquid

Bean broth (pot liquor) is the liquid left after cooking beans. It's rich in flavor, nutrients, and minerals from the beans. Fresh heirloom beans produce especially delicious, silky broth. Use it for:

• Soup base (better than store-bought broth)
• Cooking grains (rice, quinoa, polenta)
• Sauce base for mole or gravy
• Drinking as-is (seriously, it's that good!)

Bean broth freezes well for up to 3 months.

We have an extensive recipe blog HERE with dishes featuring heirloom beans and ancient grains. Recipes range from traditional preparations (bean tacos, cassoulet) to creative modern dishes (bean bourguignon, pesto beans). Each recipe includes cooking tips specific to the bean variety used. We also share recipes in our monthly Heirloom Bean & Grain Club newsletter.

Primary Beans carries over 15 varieties and Foodocracy features over 24 varieties of beans and field peas seasonally throughout the year. Some rare varieties are only available within our Heirloom Bean & Grain Club. Our selection includes:

• Mexican Heirlooms: Ayocote Morado, Vaquita Negro, Flor de Mayo, Mayacoba, Peruano
• Runner Beans: Ayocote varieties (black, morado, white)
• American Classics: Baby Butter, Tiger Eye, Christmas Lima, Jacob's Cattle, Snowcap
• Southern Heirlooms: Sea Island Red Peas, Conch Peas
• European Types: Flageolet, Cassoulet, Cranberry
• Indigenous Varieties: Tepary beans, various Native American heirlooms

Our selection changes seasonally based on harvest availability.

Ayocote beans (pronounced eye-oh-COH-tay) are large runner beans native to Mexico, cultivated for thousands of years. They're one of the oldest domesticated plants in the Americas. Ayocotes have a distinctive meaty texture, creamy interior, and produce an incredibly rich bean broth. We offer several varieties:

• Ayocote Morado: Purple with beautiful maroon color when cooked
• Ayocote Negro: Large black runner bean
• Ayocote Blanco: White variety
• Ayocote Arcoiris: Rainbow variety (very rare)
• Ayocote Medianoche: A rare regional variety grown in a small village mixing black and purple with flecks of white (like stars in the sky).

Ours are often grown using traditional milpa methods, hand-harvested by small family farmers. Perfect for moles, tacos, and as a vegetarian main dish.

We offer heritage and ancient grains including:

• Purple Tibetan Barley
• Jimmy Red Cornmeal (heritage corn)
• Sonora Wheat Berries
• Minnesota Indigenous Grown Wild Rice
• Whole Kernel Cob-Roasted Pima Corn
• Fat Red and Becky Blanca Hominy
• Farm Fresh Raw Rolled Oats

All grains are non GMO and sourced from small farms using sustainable practices.

Yes! We offer artisan spices and seasonings from small producers:

• Smoked Paprika
• Piment d Espelette
• Pacific Flake Sea Salt
• Whole dried chiles (Mulato, Yahualica, Ancho)
• Whole Leaf Kombu (Maine-harvested seaweed for cooking beans)
• And seasonal items like indigenous maple syrup, Oaxacan mole and more

These complement our beans and grains perfectly for creating restaurant-quality meals at home.

Our monthly subscription club delivers curated selections of rare heirloom beans and ancient grains you won't find in stores. Choose from two types:

• Bean + Grain Club: 2 different bean varieties and 1 grain each month
• Bean Only Club: 3 different bean varieties each month

Each shipment includes:

• Access to limited-harvest varieties
• Recipes and cooking tips for each item
• Stories about the farmers who grew your food

Products labeled 'Primary Beans' are from our recently-joined Primary Beans brand, which we're integrating into the Foodocracy family. These beans maintain the exact same quality standards, farmer relationships, and freshness that Primary Beans customers loved. The packaging may say Primary Beans, but you're getting the same farm-direct, regeneratively-grown beans you'd expect from Foodocracy.

We offer $10.99 flat rate shipping within the contiguous US per shipment. Shipping to multiple addresses will incur multiple shipping charges. Alaska and Hawaii rates are $25 for orders up to 13 pounds, and $50 flat rate for orders 14 pounds and over. We ship most products via USPS Ground. For complete shipping details including restrictions and surcharges, please visit our Shipping FAQ HERE.

We ship to the contiguous United States, Alaska, and Hawaii. We cannot ship to U.S. Territories or P.O. Box/APO/FPO/DPO addresses. Some items with extra weight, bulk, or perishability may have surcharges noted on the product page and at checkout.

Orders typically ship within 1-3 business days and arrive within 3-7 business days depending on your location. You'll receive tracking information once your order ships.

We're committed to earth-friendly packaging:

• Products: Sealed bags designed to preserve freshness
• Shipping boxes: 100% recyclable and eco-friendly materials
• Minimal waste: No excessive packaging or plastic filler

Yes, you can cancel your subscription at any time through your account dashboard. There are no cancellation fees or long-term commitments. You can also skip months or adjust your delivery schedule as needed.

Food items cannot be returned due to FDA and California food safety regulations. Gift cards are also non-returnable.

For non-food items, our policy lasts 30 days. To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused, in the same condition you received it, and in original packaging. We require a receipt or proof of purchase. Partial refunds may be granted for items not in original condition, damaged or missing parts (not due to our error), or returned more than 30 days after delivery.

Missing or Damaged Items: If items are missing or arrive damaged, we will issue a full refund for affected items. You must provide photographs of: (1) the original shipping box, (2) the shipping label with tracking number, (3) all items received including damaged items, and (4) packaging materials inside the box.

Claims must be submitted within 10 days of delivery to info@shopfoodocracy.com with your order number in the subject line.

Refunds are processed within 7 days once documentation is reviewed. Photographs are mandatory for all claims.

Contact info@shopfoodocracy.com or (323) 300-4597 for any questions.

Beans are naturally gluten-free. However, some of our beans are grown in rotation with wheat or other gluten-containing grains (a common regenerative farming practice). While crops aren't grown in the same field simultaneously, and wheat kernels would be removed during cleaning, we recommend caution if you have severe celiac disease. Our grains and ancient wheats contain gluten. Always read product descriptions for specific allergen information.

All our beans, grains, and most of our products are plant-based and suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets. Always check individual product pages, as some specialty items may contain animal products.

Beans are nutritional power houses:

• High in protein (15-20gpercookedcup)
• Excellent fiber source(12-15g per cup) for gut health
• Rich in iron, magnessium, potassium, and folate
• Low glycemicindex (helps stabilize blood sugar)
• High in antioxidants and phyto nutrients
• Cholesterol-free and low in fat
  
  

Beans contain complex sugars that can cause digestive discomfort. Fresh beans are typically easier to digest than old beans. Tips to reduce gas:

• Start small: Gradually increase bean in take to allow your gut to adjust
• Cook with kombu: This seaweed aids digestion (we sell Ocean's Balance Kombu)
• Add epazoteor bay leaf: Traditional aromatics that aid digestion
• Rinse after cooking: Removes some of the gas-causing compounds
• Chew thoroughly: Better break down aids digestion
• Add a splash of vinegar: When serving, this can help digestion Most people find that regular bean consumption reduces digestive issues overtime.
  
  

We put allergen information on the product pages and we take allergens seriously however none of our farms or producers are certified gluten or allergen free. If you have severe allergies, please use caution and contact us with specific questions.

Store dried beans in a cool, dry, darkplace:

• Keep in original packaging or transfer to air tight containers
• Avoid heat, humidity, and direct sunlight
• Pantry, cupboard, or cool basement are ideal
• Don't refrigerate dried beans (moisture can cause mold)
• Keep away from strong-smelling foods (beans can absorb odors)
  
  

Dried beans technically last in definitely, but quality degrades overtime. Beans are best within 2-3 years of the harvest date for optimal flavor and texture. After 2 years, they may require soaking and longer cooking times and after 3 years will lose flavor. Because our beans go through a 3-5 month process from harvest to your door, you're getting them at peak quality with plenty of shelf life remaining.

Cooked beans store well:

• Refrigerator: 3-5 days in an air tight container with their cooking liquid
• Freezer: Up to 6 months in freezer-safe containers or bags
• Freezing tip: Freeze in portions (2-cup servings) for easy meal prep
• Always include some cooking liquid when freezing to prevent drying out
  
  

Yes! Bean broth freezes beautifully. Store in ice cube trays for small portions or freezer containers for larger amounts. Use within 3 months for best quality. Thaw in the refrigerator or heat directly from frozen for soups and sauces.

While both are large beans, Ayocotes are runner beans with a meatier texture and richer, more flavorful bean broth. Lima beans are butter beans with a creamier, softer texture. Ayocotes are traditional in Mexican cuisine (moles, tacos), while Limas are classic in Southern US cooking (succotash, butter bean soup). Both are excellent protein sources and can sometimes be substituted for each other in recipes.

Our heirloom black beans (like Black Valentine) are:

• Fresher: Harvested within the last year vs 3-5+ year sold
• More flavorful: Richer taste from healthy soil
• Better texture: Firmer exterior, creamier interior
• Cook faster: No soaking needed, done in 25-40 minutes in Instant Pot
• Cleaner growing practices: Non-GMO, never sprayed with glyphosate, grown using earth-first practices
• Traceable: Primary Beans include the specific farm and harvest date
  
  

Great starter beans for new comers:

• Mayacoba/Peruano: Mild, buttery flavor like pinto beans but creamier
• Chaparro: Classic black bean flavor, versatile
• Baby Butter Beans: Fast cooking, creamy and delicious.
• Flageolet: Minty green color, great for salads, braises and soups
• Our Bean Starter Set: Curated collection of beginner-friendly varieties
  
  

Generally yes, with some considerations:

• Size matters: Large beans need longer cooking than small beans
• Texture varies: Some are creamy, others are firmer
• Similar sizes work best: Substitute pintos with bayo or peruano, black beans with small red beans
• Check product pages for substitution suggestions

When in doubt, contact us for recipe-specific recommendations!

We admire Rancho Gordo and share similar values around heirloom varieties and quality. Key differences:

• We source directly from small family farms and put their names right one very package so you know exactly who grew your beans
• Our radical transparency promise includes farm profile stelling you about the earth-first farming practices of all of our farmers
• We are 100% transparent in our sourcing
• We have a never sprayed with glyphosate promise with all of our beans and grains
• Primary Beans harvest dates are another layer of transparency not foundon Rancho Gordo and the majority of bean brands

Foodocracy is a woman-owned company led by Lisa Riznikove, Chief Bean Officer. We're a small, independent business based in California, though we don't have a physical retail location. Our focus is creating a market placethat connects conscious consumers with small, independent farms and artisans.

Our mission is to balance the playing field with big food companies by supporting small, independent farms and artisans practicing clean, healthy farming. We believe in:

• Supporting small producers over industrial agriculture
• Fair prices for farmers who care for the land
• Beansandgrainsneversprayedwithglyphosate
• Non-GMO beans and grains from trusted sources
• Preserving heirloom varieties and traditional farming methods
• Making nutrient-dense, delicious food accessible to more people
  
  

We support farmers by:

• Paying fair prices that reflect the true value of regeneratively-grownfood
• Making multi-year purchasing commitments so farmers can plan a head
• Buying entire harvests when possible to ensure farmers have reliable income
• Sharing farmers' stories and promoting their work
• Working directly with farmer cooperatives like La Comandanta
• By passing middle men so more money goes to growers
  
  

We don't own farms ourselves, we source from independent family farms across North America and Mexico. We don't currently have a physical retail location or public warehouse. All sales are through our website shopfoodocracy.com. If you'd like to meet farmers, many participate in farmers markets in their regions. Checkour 'Know Your Farmer' blog section for farm profiles.

Yes! We work with restaurants, meal kit companies, and specialty retailers. For wholesale inquiries, please email info@shopfoodocracy.com with details about your business and volume needs. We're especially excited to partner with chefs and businesses who share our values around regenerative agriculture and food transparency.

If fresh beans are cooking slowly:

• Water quality: Hard water oracidic water can slow cooking.Try filtered water
• Salt: Add salt at the beginning (it actually helps, despite old myths)
• Heat: Ensure you're starting at a boil and then maintaining a simmer, not just warm water
• Bean variety: Some varieties (Ayocote, large limas) naturally take longer
• Altitude: High altitude requires longer cooking times
• Try soaking: Even fresh beans cook faster when pre-soaked and some varieties have a harder seed coat.
  
  

To keep beans intact:

• Don't over cook: Check beans early and often
• Use salt: Salt helps beans maintain structure
• Gentle heat: Avoid vigorous boiling after the first 5-10 minutes; maintain a gentle simmer
• Natural pressure release: For Instant Pot, let pressure release naturally
• Don't stir: Excessive stirring breaks beans apart, try gently shaking the pot instead.
  
  

Yes, occasionally small stones or debris can survive the cleaning process, especially with beans grown in rocky soil. This is normal for farm-direct products. Were commend:

• Always rinse beans in a colander before cooking
• Spread beans on a light surface and visually inspect before cooking
• Remove any damaged beans or foreign objects, but keep the split beans because they make excellent soup.

This is a reminder that your beans are truly farm-fresh and minimally processed!

Heirloom varieties often show natural variation in size and color, this is actually a sign of genetic diversity and authentic heirloom seeds. Unlike commercial varieties bred for uniformity, heirloom beans maintain the beautiful diversity of traditional varieties. This variation doesn't affect cooking time significantly or flavor. If you have concerns about a specific batch, please contact us.

Yes! A thick, silky, even gelatinous bean broth is a sign of extremely fresh, high-quality beans. This texture comes from natural starches and proteins released during cooking. It's especially common with fresh heirloom varieties. This broth is liquid gold, use it in soups, sauces, or cooking grains. Don't rinse it away!

We're here to help!

• Email: info@shopfoodocracy.com (best for detailed questions)
• Phone:(323)300-4597 (during business hours PST)
• Mailing Address: 22287 Mulholland Hwy #5848, Calabasas, CA91302
• Website: shopfoodocracy.com

We typically respond within 1-2 business days.

Yes! Sign up on our website to receive:

• Delicious bean and grain recipes
• Special offers and promotions
• New product announcements
• Farmer stories and farm updates
• Seasonal harvest information
• 10% off your first order when you sign up
  
  

Find us online at @shopfoodocracy to see beautiful bean photos, recipes, and farm stories. Follow for cooking inspiration and updates on new products!

Absolutely! We love talking about beans. Email us at info@shopfoodocracy.com with your question, and we'll get back to you with advice. You can also check our recipe blog and cooking guides at shopfoodocracy.com/blogs for detailed instructions.