Tepary Bean

Tepary beans may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. 

Tepary beans originated in the arid deserts of the Americas, where humans learned to cultivate the drought-resistant legume thousands of years ago. The name, tepary, is likely an adaptation of a word used by the Hohokam ancestors of the Pima and Tohono O’odham peoples, who grow the heat-tolerant beans they call bavi and stoa bawi on their lands in the Sonoran Desert today. Tepary beans are also grown in other hot, dry regions of the Americas, where they are known as escumite, frijol piñuelero, tecuzi, and xmayum and can be found in every color of the rainbow.

• Try serving tepary beans with foods that are rich in vitamin C, which helps baby’s body absorb iron from the beans, so serve tepary beans with veggies that are high in vitamin C, such as asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, or peas.

Yes. Tepary beans are small, rounded, and can be firm, especially when raw or undercooked, qualities that can increase the risk of choking. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve tepary beans in an age-appropriate way as described in the How to Serve section. As always, create a safe eating environment and stay within reach of baby during meals. 

Learn the signs of choking and more about choking first aid in our free guides, Infant Rescue and Toddler Rescue.

No. Tepary beans are not a common allergen.

Being allergic to one type of legume does not necessarily mean that an individual will experience an allergic reaction from others, even though allergy testing is frequently positive to multiple legumes.^{[1] [2]} Therefore, individuals with known legume allergy (such as peanut or soy) are not generally advised to avoid other legumes, such as beans. Individuals with allergies to pollen (particularly birch tree pollen) may experience Oral Allergy Syndrome (also called pollen food allergy syndrome) after eating certain beans.^{[3] [4]} Oral Allergy Syndrome typically results in short-lived itching, tingling, or burning in the mouth and is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction. Fully cooking the beans can help to minimize the symptoms.

Yes. Tepary beans are rich in carbohydrates, fiber, and protein, in addition to iron and other essential vitamins and minerals. Together, these nutrients support energy for baby’s movement and exploration, a healthy digestive system, neurodevelopment, and more.

Empápate del tema y practica las maniobras de rescate. Los padres y cuidadores que ven los videos de ahogamiento y rescate infantil en nuestro Pase completo de primeros alimentos a menudo comparten que se sienten mucho más seguros. 

Si bien una silla alta puede ayudar a crear un entorno seguro para comer, existen formas alternativas para que el/la bebé coma de forma segura, así como sostenerlo/a en tu regazo o sentarse juntos en el suelo. Para obtener más información, consulta nuestra Guía detallada de sillas altas para bebés.