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Produce Briefs...
Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Description/Taste
Fava beans develop in thick, elongated pods, averaging 15 to 25 centimeters in length and 2 to 3 centimeters in diameter. The pods are generally bright green, bumpy, and fibrous with a leathery texture, sometimes covered in a downy coating. Fava bean pods are inedible, and when opened, they reveal a cottony interior encapsulating 2 to 8 large, plump, and flat green beans. The oval, curved beans average 5 to 10 millimeters in diameter and are encased in a white, waxy, and semi-translucent skin. This protective coating is edible but has a fibrous, chewy consistency with a slightly bitter, vegetal flavor. Fava beans have a tender to starchy texture depending on the bean's maturity and develop a soft, buttery feel when cooked. The beans contain sweet, earthy, green, and nutty flavors mixed with a delicate grassy bitterness.
Seasons/Availability
Fresh Fava beans are available for a short season in the spring, while dried Fava beans are available year-round.
Current Facts
Fava beans, botanically classified as Vicia faba, are an ancient legume belonging to the Fabaceae family. The plump, thick bean pods grow on seasonal plants that can reach up to almost two meters in height and are one of the oldest cultivated plants recorded among ancient civilizations. Fava beans are also known as Broad beans, Windsor beans, and sometimes Field beans and were historically used as a ground cover crop. The Fava plant is known for its ability to nurture soils with added nutrients such as nitrogen and was helpful to farmers to control weeds. For many years, Fava beans were seen more as a rotational crop and livestock feed rather than a crop for human consumption, but over time, farmers began to turn to the beans as an important protein source. In the modern-day, there are many different varieties of Fava beans, and chefs view the early, cool-season legumes as a sign of spring. Fava beans are only available for a limited time and offer a bright, grassy flavor to spring dishes.
Nutritional Value
Fava beans are an excellent source of fiber to stimulate the digestive tract and are rich in folate, which helps produce red blood cells to transport oxygen through the bloodstream. The beans are also a good source of manganese to develop connective tissue in the body, copper to maintain metabolism, phosphorus to strengthen bones and teeth, and contain iron, potassium, and magnesium. It is important to note that some consumers may have a genetic trait known as favism, a reaction caused by consuming large quantities of Fava beans that may cause anemia. Discretion should be used when consuming Fava beans. Always discuss health-related questions with a doctor before eating large amounts of the beans.
Applications
Fava beans have a fresh, sweet, and subtly bitter flavor well-suited for both raw and cooked applications. Young beans are primarily eaten fresh as they bear a more tender texture, but mature beans will become starchier and are only edible once cooked. Mature Fava beans also require some preparation before they can be consumed. The pods can be unzipped and opened, removing the beans, and the beans should be blanched and then shocked in cold water to remove the thin, protective coating. Once prepared, Fava beans can be boiled, fried, roasted, stewed, steamed, or mashed. The beans can be tossed into green salads, dressed in oils and herbs as a side dish, stirred into soups, or pureed into sauces such as pesto, dips, and spreads. Fava beans can also be used as fillings for fritters, mixed into grain bowls, combined into pasta, or incorporated into dishes featuring other springtime ingredients. Beyond fresh beans, Fava beans are often dried for extended use, and once reconstituted and cooked, they will bear a soft, chewy consistency reminiscent of chickpeas. Fava beans pair well with artichokes, asparagus, peas, spinach, morel mushrooms, meats such as bacon, lamb, and poultry, seafood, chicory, lentils, leeks, citrus, and cream or wine-based sauces. Fresh, unshelled Fava beans will keep up to 10 days when stored in a container in the refrigerator. Once shelled, the beans should be immediately consumed for the best quality and flavor but will keep up to 3 days in the fridge. Fava beans can also be frozen for up to one month.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Fava beans are incorporated into ful mudammas, a popular, hearty dish comprised of slow-cooked Fava beans mixed with spices and other aromatics. There are many different variations of ful madammas found throughout the Middle East, and the dish can be served at any meal of the day with accompaniments such as garlic sauce, fried eggs, bread, or falafel. Ful mudammas also happens to be Egypt’s national dish. There are many different types of Fava beans in Egypt, and the most commonly used variety is a small, rounder Fava bean known as ful hammam or bath fava. Legend has it that Fava beans acquired the name “bath beans” in Cairo, Egypt, during the Middle Ages. In city centers, bathhouses were open during the day for residents, and attendants would keep the water warm with huge fires fueled by burning trash. Once the bathhouses closed for the evening, the fires would continue to produce warm embers, and Fava beans would be placed in large pots to slowly cook. These cooked beans were sold as breakfast dishes the next day, creating the early versions of ful medammas.
Geography/History
Fava beans are one of the oldest domesticated bean varieties and have been cultivated since ancient times. Experts found archeological remains in Israel and believe these findings can be traced back as early as the Neolithic period, from 6800 to 6500 BCE. Fava beans were later introduced from the Middle East into the Mediterranean in the early ages, eventually traveling along trade routes into Northern Africa and Southwestern Asia. The beans were prevalent in Ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman civilizations, where they were used for religious rituals, livestock feed, and as a source of protein. Today Fava beans are found worldwide and are cultivated in temperate regions with cool seasons. The beans are still used in crop rotations for farming, animal feed, and human consumption and are sold through local markets in the spring in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Vista Valley | Vista CA | 760-758-2800 |
| Solare Ristorante Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-270-9670 |
| Coast Catering | Escondido CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Green Acres Campus 2020 | San Diego CA | 858-450-9907 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| Cucina Enoteca | Del Mar CA | 619-239-2222 |
| Yoann Taboyan, Personal Chef | San Diego CA | 347-277-1958 |
| Juniper & Ivy | San Diego CA | 858-481-3666 |
| Campfire | Carlsbad CA | 760-637-5121 |
| Mr A's | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
| Seasalt | Del Mar CA | 858-755-7100 |
| Border X Brewing | San Diego CA | 858-405-0528 |
| Catania La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Huntress | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
| Village Vino | San Diego CA | 619-546-8466 |
| Communal Coffee | San Diego CA | |
| Little Lion | San Diego CA | 619-519-4079 |
| The Rose | San Diego CA | 619-572-7671 |
| Hotel Del Coronado Store Room | Coronado CA | 619-435-6611 |
| Marriott Del Mar | San Diego CA | 858-369-6029 |
| Four Seasons Residence Club | Carlsbad CA | 760-603-6360 |
| Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District | El Cajon CA | 619-644-7585 |
| Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
| Miho | San Diego CA | 619-365-5655 |
| Encontro North Park | San Diego CA | 310-955-6333 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Main | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Fava Beans. One
is
easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Fava Beans using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 29 days ago, 4/17/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Two Peas in a Pod
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 32 days ago, 4/14/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Valdivia Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 39 days ago, 4/07/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 41 days ago, 4/05/21 Sharer's comments : Fava beans from Valdivia Farms 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
McGrath Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 46 days ago, 3/31/21 
Brentwood Farmers Market
Country Fresh Herbs
Near Sawtelle, California, United StatesAbout 70 days ago, 3/07/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 99 days ago, 2/06/21 Sharer's comments : Favas! From Black Sheep Produce 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Two Peas in a Pod
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 102 days ago, 2/03/21 
Brentwood Farmers' Market
Country Fresh Herbs
Near Sawtelle, California, United StatesAbout 112 days ago, 1/24/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Two peas in a pod
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 144 days ago, 12/23/20 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Two peas in a pod
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 144 days ago, 12/23/20 
Ballard Farmer's Market
Near Seattle, Washington, United StatesAbout 322 days ago, 6/28/20 Sharer's comments : Love these fresh - Favas are worth there weight in gold in my book :) 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
McGrath Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 347 days ago, 6/03/20 Sharer's comments : Nice large Fava Beans from McGrath Family Farms 
PCC Community Markets
PCC Natural Markets - Fremont
Near Seattle, Washington, United States600 N 34th St Seattle WA 98103 206-632-6811 https://www.pccnaturalmarkets.com About 372 days ago, 5/09/20 Sharer's comments : A springtime legume, after you get past the shelling are worth their weight in gold :) 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 415 days ago, 3/27/20 Sharer's comments : Fava beans! 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 424 days ago, 3/18/20 Sharer's comments : Favas! 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 445 days ago, 2/26/20 Sharer's comments : Favas are back! 
Brentwood Farmers' Market
Country Fresh Herbs
Near Sawtelle, California, United StatesAbout 448 days ago, 2/23/20 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 452 days ago, 2/19/20 Sharer's comments : Fava Beans!!! First of the season and super limited 
Super Irvine
Near Tustin, California, United StatesAbout 476 days ago, 1/26/20 
Super King Markets
Super King Markets
Near South Coast Metro, California, United States2741 W. MacArthur Blvd. Santa Ana CA 92704 714-597-7651 https://www.superkingmarkets.com About 478 days ago, 1/24/20 
Brentwood Farmers' Market
Country Fresh Herbs
Near Sawtelle, California, United StatesAbout 525 days ago, 12/08/19 Sharer's comments : Early favas 
Grove Market
Near Pacific Grove, California, United StatesAbout 660 days ago, 7/26/19 
West Seattle Farmers Market
Growing Washington
Near Seattle, Washington, United StatesWhatcom, WA About 672 days ago, 7/14/19 Sharer's comments : Yum! 
Sasoun Produce
Near West Hollywood, California, United StatesAbout 685 days ago, 7/01/19 Sharer's comments : Fresh Favas! 
Irvine Ranch Market
Irvine Ranch Market
Near Irvine-Mesa, California, United States2651 Irvine Ave. Costa Mesa CA 92627 949-631-4404 About 695 days ago, 6/21/19 
Magnolia Farmers Market
Alvarez Organic Farms
Near Seattle, Washington, United StatesMabton, WA About 701 days ago, 6/15/19 Sharer's comments : Labor intensive but these guys are worth their weight in gold! |
