Tepary Beans: Arizona's Superfood
Tepary beans (Phaseolus acutifolius var. latifolius) are a culinary and cultural gem of Arizona, beautifully adapted to our desert monsoons, growing in arroyos where they reach maturity with only two monsoon rains. These small, drought-resistant beans - the most low-water use legumes in the world - have been cultivated for over 5,000 years, making them a cornerstone of the region's agricultural and culinary heritage.
What do tepary beans taste like? Imagine an earthier, heartier version of the pinto bean. The white ones are naturally sweet, creamy and more delicate, while the brown teparies are more savory, nutty and robust. These versatile beans retain their shape, making them perfect for hearty stews or salads where their robust flavor shines. They’re equally delicious when mashed into plant-based patties, blended into creamy dips, or transformed into a desert-inspired hummus. Available in three colors — white, brown, and the less common black — each variety brings its own subtle twist to their signature nutty, savory flavor.
From their rich history to their nutritional value and versatility, tepary beans are a shining example of a climate-smart, heritage food that deserves a place in modern kitchens.
Keep reading to discover:
Nutritional Value
Where to Eat
Where to Buy
How to Cook
Recipes
How They Grow
A Heritage Food of Arizona
Tepary beans have been grown by Indigenous peoples in the Southwest, including the Tohono O’odham Nation, for an estimated 5,000 years. For centuries, they have been cultivated in desert climates, thriving where other crops struggle. The Tohono O’odham know the beans as pawi, which the Spanish corrupted to tepary. The Tohono O’odham people have used tepary beans as a staple food for generations, incorporating them into traditional dishes that provide sustenance and flavor.
Nevertheless, tepary beans are labor-intensive to harvest — as pods mature at different times and so must be picked by hand — meaning that as farms mechanized, they moved away from growing teparies. The black tepary bean would have been lost if it weren’t for Ramona Button of Ramona’s Farms discovering a few in a saved in a trunk.
Years later, thanks to the work of Ramona Farms and Gary Nabhan, the tepary bean has built a reputation. Recognized by organizations like Slow Food USA and featured in Native American food sovereignty movements, tepary beans represent a connection to the land, history, and sustainable practices.
Nutritional Powerhouse
Tepary beans have been a superfood by Indigenous peoples in the Southwest for thousands of years, long before that term was invented. Tepary beans are not just delicious but also incredibly nutritious. Like many foods native to our desert, they have less sugar and more protein - a 1/2 cup serving of cooked brown tepary beans provides 23 g of protein and 56 g of fiber.
These beans are rich in folate, thiamine, and essential minerals like phosphorus and zinc. They are a great source of plant-based protein, making them a valuable addition to vegetarian and vegan diets. The high fiber content supports digestive health, while the low glycemic index makes them suitable for people managing diabetes.
Where to Eat Tepary Beans
Valley mainstay AZ Wilderness Brewing offers an addictive tepary bean burger.
Michelin-worthy Native American restaurant Kai serves an upscale version in their Seared John Dory served over white tepary beans, poached Little Neck clams, charred rutabaga, celeriac cream, with puffed manoomin.
Indigenous-owned pop-up Juntos makes a huarache with tepary beans. They were recognized with a Slow Food Snail of Approval and are a member of Local First Arizona.
Tucson’s Exo Roast offers a burrito made with tepary beans.
The Indigenous chef behind Old Town Scottsdale’s Frybread Lounge serves up mesquite maple tepary beans.
Creative and delicious Phoenix haunt Valentine cooks a veggie burger with tepary beans.
The Courtyard Cafe at the Heard Museum serves tepary bean hummus with frybread for dipping and a veggie wrap with tepary bean hummus.
Note: Ramona Farms maintains a list of restaurants that purchase their beans.
Where to Buy Tepary Beans
Tepary beans can be found at specialty food stores, farmers markets, and online retailers. For the most authentic experience, consider purchasing from Indigenous-owned organizations and local cooperatives that support sustainable farming practices. Some reliable sources include:
Ramona Farms: You can order directly from the farm that has done so much for the tepary bean. They offer white, brown and black tepary beans in 2- and 5-lb bags. Most of the dried tepary beans on the market come from Ramona Farms. You can buy them at these locations:
Bapchule, Gila River Indian Community: Casablanca Market
Chandler: Whole Foods – Chandler
Coolidge: Shope’s IGA
Flagstaff: Flagstaff CSA & Local Market, Square Root Foods, Whole Foods – Flagstaff
Gila River Indian Community: Sacaton Market, Komatke Market
Laveen, Gila River Indian Community: Komatke Market
Litchfield Park: Blue Sky Organic Farms
Maricopa: Vekol Market
Parker: Colorado River Indian Tribes Museum Gift Shop
Phoenix: Heard Museum Bookshop, Rad Cactus Co-op at Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market, Sun Produce Cooperative, Whole Foods – Camelback
Paradise Valley: Whole Foods – Paradise Valley
Scottsdale: Beeline Highway Pit Stop, Inner Circle Coffee Shop, Sphinx Date Co. Palm & Pantry, Whole Foods – Scottsdale
Sells: Coyote Convenience Store, The Traveling Eagle Convenience Store
Somerton: Museum Gift Shop at Cocopah
Tumacacori: Santa Cruz Chili & Spice
Tucson: Exo Roast, Food Conspiracy Coop, Native Seeds/Search, Sky Island Spice, Western National Parks Gift Shops, Whole Foods – Oracle 2 – Tucson, Whole Foods – River Road – Tucson, Whole Foods – Speedway – Tucson
Would you like tepary bean seeds? Native Seeds/SEARCH offers 13 beautiful varieties, from blue or brown speckled to wild teparies that resemble tiny pebbles.
Recipes
Tepary beans are tougher than other dried beans. When cooking with them, make sure you build in extra time to soak - either overnight or by bringing a pot of water to boil and then soaking.
Tepary beans are versatile and can be used in numerous dishes, both traditional and contemporary. Here are some ideas:
Soups and Stews: Their creamy texture makes them ideal for hearty soups and stews.
Native Seeds/SEARCH’s Tepary Bean Stew
Salads: Toss cooked and cooled tepary beans with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a light vinaigrette.
Bean Dips, Spreads and Snacks
Denella’s Tepary Bean Nachos
Desert Provision’s Tepary Bean Hummus
Side Dishes: Serve them seasoned as a side to grilled vegetables, rice, or cornbread.
Sean Sherman’s Tepary Beans with Chile-Agave Glaze
Baked Goods: Use tepary bean flour for gluten-free baking.
Ramona Farms Beanie Brownies
Climate-Smart Agriculture
Tepary beans are considered a climate-smart crop because of their remarkable ability to thrive in harsh, arid environments. They require minimal water compared to other legumes, making them ideal for regions facing water scarcity. Their deep root systems allow them to access moisture from deeper soil layers, and they can withstand extreme heat and drought conditions. Though they will stop flowering once temperatures reach 105 degrees, even dropping their leaves, they survive and will continue to grow and flower once the temperate goes down.
By growing tepary beans, farmers can reduce water usage, promote soil health, and diversify their crops. These attributes make them an excellent choice for sustainable agriculture in the face of climate change. Furthermore, their nitrogen-fixing properties improve soil fertility, benefiting subsequent crops.
A Sustainable and Delicious Future
Tepary beans are more than just a food; they are a symbol of resilience, sustainability, and cultural heritage. By incorporating them into your diet, you’re not only enjoying a nutritious and flavorful ingredient but also supporting sustainable agriculture and Indigenous traditions.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, tepary beans offer endless culinary possibilities. Their rich history and climate-smart benefits make them a food worth celebrating. Next time you’re looking for a unique and meaningful addition to your meals, consider the humble yet extraordinary tepary bean.