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eat fava beans

We love fava beans simply boiled, buttered and served with the Sunday roast. They're also wonderful when partnered with bacon or pancetta (see PICK OF THE RECIPES below).

HISTORY

Fava beans (also known as faba beans or broad beans) are thought to have originated in the Mediterranean. Archaeological findings at Iron Age and Bronze Age settlements in various parts of Europe show that they have been an important staple food for millennia.

Today fava beans grow in temperate regions across the globe. They are enjoyed across northern China and are crucial to Egyptian cuisine as a key ingredient in the national dish, Ful medames, and in falafels.

BIOLOGY

Fava beans are a type of vetch with the Latin name Vicia faba. Vetches, which include peas and alfalfa, are nitrogen fixing plants that enrich the soil in which they are planted.

NUTRITION

Fava beans are good sources of protein, fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium and iron. They also contain levodopa (L-dopa), a chemical the body uses to produce dopamine (the neurotransmitter associated with the brain's reward and motivation system).

TIPS

BUYING
For the freshest fava beans try a farmers' market or farm shop. Choose crisp-looking unwithered pods.

STORING
After picking, fava beans quickly lose flavor with each day that passes. Keep them cool and eat them quick. Freshly picked beans can be frozen very successfully after briefly blanching them.

PREPARING
Split the pods and remove the beans (only the pods of VERY young beans are edible). The pale green skins can be left on or removed according to preference (older, larger beans have thicker, tougher skins). To remove the skins, blanch in boiling water for one minute and then rinse in cold water. Slip off the skins before finishing by boiling or steaming until tender (approx. 2 - 5 minutes).

OTHER STUFF

Habas fritas (deep fried or roasted broad beans) are a delicious and addictive bar snack, popular in Spain.

PICK OF THE RECIPES

in season:

january
february
march
april
may
june
july
august
september
october
november
december

main regions:

California, Western Canada

ONLINE

• Fava Beans with Pancetta

• Salad of Fresh Fava Beans with Pecorino Romano

• Ravioli of Fresh Fava Beans, Mint and Ricotta

IN PRINT

• Grilled Chicken with a Warm Bacon and Broad Bean Salad
  The Complete Cookery Year