I'm just starting (over the last year or so) to explore cooking with dried beans. Around here, there is no shortage of good quality beans.RG is everywhere as are some other brands, and many markets have reasonably fresh bulk beans available. There's a diverse ethnic population in the area, and I'm sure that helps to some extent. Also, the San Francisco Bay Area has a good income, so high quality or premium ingredients are available because the demand is here.
As for canned beans, they'll always be in my cupboard. They're great for a variety of weeknight meals, salads, stews and chili, etc. For me, there's a place for both canned and dry, and the always will be. Generally, there's always at least one variety of frozen rice in the freezer. Break off a chunk, thaw that, add some canned beans and veggies (frozen or fresh), and there's always a quick, nutritious, and inexpensive meal available.
