Fava Beans
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Fava bean pods are thick and spongy, containing 2 to 7 large, flat, bright green beans. While the fava pods are inedible, the beans are tender, with a sweet, mild flavor and are similar in shape to a lima bean. The bean's skin is thick and their texture can range from starchy to creamy depending on how they are prepared. The young leaves, shoots and flowers of the fava plant are all edible.
Seasons/Availability
Fava beans are available year-round with a peak season in spring.
Current Facts
Fava beans may also be referred to as broad beans and are botanically classified as Vicia faba.
Applications
Fresh fava beans are often prepared with other spring vegetables, such as peas, asparagus and morel mushrooms. Their mild flavor and versatile texture can be added to salads and soups, or pureed into spreads and served as appetizers. Pair with fresh herbs, sheep's milk cheeses, citrus, pasta, cream or wine-based sauces, young greens such as spinach and pea tendrils, lamb and seafood.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Fava beans are can be prepared dried, fresh, or fried and salted. In Indian cuisine and the eastern coastal Chinese region near Shanghai, fava beans are often cooked, skinned, and served in a brown-sauce dressing or in oil. They can also be served steamed or cold as an appetizer in a sesame oil dressing.
Geography/History
Fava beans are one of the oldest crops known, with their recorded cultivation extending into prehistoric times. A bean in name only, botanically the fava is a type of vetch. Like the bean, the vetch is also a legume but the vetch is a climbing or twining plant that prefers a cool moist climate and is even tolerant to a light frost, unlike the bean that thrives best in the heat of long and nurturing summer days.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Fava Beans. One
is easiest, three is harder.
