Umabory

Typical in the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais and Goiás, trooper beans reflect the non-perishable solution required for long inland expeditions; what Dória calls the "dry culinary" culture, where dry bean dishes meant that the troops didn’t need to cook as frequently. "Troops were not able to light a fire and heat their food at any time. So, they found a way to mix things up," he said.

One of the most famous bean-based recipes, feijão tropeiro (trooper beans; a combination of dry meat, red beans and cassava flour) refers to Brazil's historical "troopers" – the men in charge of opening roads and taking much-needed goods, from fabric to salt to soap, into the interior – most notably during the 17th to 19th Centuries.