Use and nutritive value of talet beans, Amphicarpaea bracteata (Fabaceae :Phaseoleae) as human food in Puebla, Mexico

Species of the genus Amphicarpaea have been reported as edible (for human c onsumption or as fodder) in Asia and North America. In northern Puebla, Mex ico, talet, A. bracteata, grows as a weed in multiple cropping systems, and its subterranean fruits are used as food by Nahuas, Totonacs, and Mestizos . This study documents how the seed is harvested during agricultural practi ces, the way in which the pleasant-tasting seeds are prepared for consumpti on, and how the plants are integrated in the management of the maize-bean a groecosystem. We provide data on the chemical composition of talet beans, w hich is similar to that reported for other food legumes. Talet beans are re commended for development as a casually eaten protein supplement to the hum an diet in northern Puebla.