Tepary, black

The little Tepary is native to the Southwest and has sustained native cultures for centuries. It's a tough tiny bean, drought-resistant, and its short height when growing helps the plant make the best use of whatever water there is. The Tepary has the highest protein of all the beans and is said to be a good bean for diabetics. Soak these beans for 12 to 24 hours, and expect them to need to cook for up to eight hours. Showcase their nutty, beany flavor in vegetarian pates, mashed as for bean dip or just in a bowl on their own.