How Do You Spell TEPARY?

Pronunciation: [tˈɛpəɹi] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "tepary" can be a bit confusing, but understanding the phonetic transcription can help. The IPA symbol /t/ represents the unvoiced alveolar stop, while /ɛ/ represents the open-mid front unrounded vowel. The letter "p" represents the unvoiced bilabial stop, and the letter "a" represents the open front unrounded vowel. Finally, the letter "r" represents the alveolar trill. Putting it all together, the pronunciation of "tepary" is /ˈtɛpəri/. This bean is often used in southwestern cuisine and is a good source of protein and fiber.

TEPARY Meaning and Definition

1. Tepary is a noun that refers to a species of small-seeded, drought-tolerant legume plants native to the southwestern regions of North America. Specifically, it is a term used to describe a variety of tepary beans, scientifically known as Phaseolus acutifolius. These beans belong to the Fabaceae family, commonly known as the legume or pea family.

   Tepary beans are characterized by their small size, ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 inches in diameter, and their diverse color palette, including shades of beige, brown, yellow, and even purple. Despite their diminutive appearance, they pack a potent nutritional punch. They are a rich source of protein, dietary fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals, making them a valuable dietary staple.

   What sets tepary beans apart from other bean varieties is their remarkable adaptability to arid conditions. They have evolved to survive in harsh desert climates with limited water availability, exhibiting exceptional resistance to drought and extreme temperatures. This unique resilience has made tepary beans a valuable crop in arid regions, where they can be cultivated sustainably in low-water agricultural systems.

   Tepary beans have a long history of being cultivated and used by indigenous peoples in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, such as the Tohono O’odham and the Pima tribes. They have played a crucial role in traditional diets and cultural practices, serving as a key food source for generations. In recent years, tepary beans have gained recognition for their exceptional nutritional value, culinary versatility, and sustainability, earning them a place of importance in modern cuisine and agricultural practices.

Etymology of TEPARY

The word "tepary" comes from the O'odham language, specifically from the Tohono O'odham (formerly known as the Papago) and Akimel O'odham (formerly known as the Pima) tribes of Native Americans. In the O'odham language, the term for these small, drought-resistant beans is "ćawič or maikwirk".

The term "tepary" itself was derived from the Spanish word "tepali" or "tepale", which referred to a type of bean. This Spanish term was borrowed from the Nahuatl language, spoken by the Aztecs and other indigenous people of Mexico. Overall, "tepary" has its roots in both O'odham and Nahuatl languages.