You probably ask yourself all the time how to learn more about beans. On December 13 at the Los Angeles Public Library, your legume prayers are answered. Culinary Historians of Southern California present bean experts Ken Albala and Steve Sando.

University of the Pacific History Professor Ken Albala will talk about the history of beans. Albala has written nine books, including “Beans: A History, Eating Right in the Renaissance, Food in Early Modern Europe, Cooking in Europe: 1250-1650.”

Bean farmer and author Steve Sando discusses the current climate involving heritage bean farming and eating. Sando is president of Rancho Gordo New World Specialty Food, a Napa-based company that promotes foods indigenous to The Americas, particularly heirloom beans. He wrote “Heirloom Beans: Great Recipes for Dips and Spreads, Soups and Stews, Salads and Salsas, and Much More from Rancho Gordo.” He founded The Family Farm League, a group dedicated to encouraging food production among Napa’s wine monoculture.

The event takes place in the downtown library’s Mark Taper Auditorium at 10:30 AM. An 11:30 reception follows with themed refreshments and author book signings. It’s free and open to the public.

Culinary Historians of Southern California is a not-for-profit organization that supports the culinary collections at the Los Angeles Public Library.