Their plants have long roots, which allow them to tolerate drought. They have small leaves, and the plants sprawl. If given something to climb on, they will climb up to 9 feet (2 ¾ metres.) Tepary Beans are hard to harvest because their short, slim pods often split open during harvest.
The colour of Tepary Beans can vary from white to brown. Varieties are named after the colour of beans they produce: White, Brown, Blue-Grey Speckled, etc.
Tepary Beans are smaller than navy beans, and somewhat flat.
They keep their shape when cooked. After cooking, their dense texture makes them still somewhat chewy.
Tepary Beans are good for refried beans and chili.
Substitutes
Navy Beans, Great Northern Beans.
History Notes
Some sources feel that Tepary Beans may have been grown about 3000 BC by Central American natives.