Think beans are boring? You've never tried these babies.

You already know all the body benefits of beans: They're loaded with waist-whittling fiber, antioxidants and enough vegetarian protein to give meat a run for its money.

But canned beans contain lots of sodium, and dried beans seem like too much of a hassle. (Who has time to soak for hours?)

Heirloom beans from Rancho Gordo require minimal soaking and cut down on cooking time because they're fresher than commercial varieties. And while heirloom beans are rare, they still cost less than $6 per pound. The beans change with the season, but right now, you can sample unusual varieties such as yellow eye beans (swap them for navy beans) or Christmas lima beans (try them in chili or curry). Or stick with the tried-and-true midnight black bean. Use them in this easy recipe for Vegetarian Black Bean Chowder and you'll never go canned again.

Hungry? Buy them here.

Looks like we spilled the beans.