Broad Bean

Legume

Broad Bean

Broad bean (fava bean, Vicia faba) is eaten fresh as a green vegetable-pulse and dried as a hearty winter bean. Large pods yield meaty seeds with an earthy, slightly bitter green flavour when young and a denser, nuttier character when dried. Double-podding fresh beans is optional for tenderness. Dried favas power stews, ful medames, falafel mixes, and flours across the Mediterranean and Middle East.

Also known as: Broad Bean, Fava Bean, Ful, Fava, Haba, Foul / Ful

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Cuts & parts

Breeds & varieties

A sample of named types with their own origin and culinary profiles. Showing 10 of 11.

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View all 11 breeds & varieties

Characteristics

Preparations

BoiledCannedChilledDriedFermentedFlourFreshFriedFrozenGroundHulledMashedPickledPowderPureedRoastedSaltedSoakedSplitSproutedSteamedWhole

Provenance

BiodynamicDry FarmedFair TradeHeirloomLocally GrownNon-GMOOrganicRegenerativeSeasonalSingle Origin

Sources

Indoor FarmedOutdoor FarmedWild

Traits

CreamyEarthyFreshGreenHeartyMeatyNuttySlightly Bitter

Nutrition and pairings

Nutrition

Typical values per 100 g edible portion. Nutrient names open the reference page.

Nutrition Facts

Per 100 g edible portion

Calories 122

Amount per 100 g

  • Total Fat 0.76 g
  • Saturated Fat 0.21 g
  • Trans Fat 0 g
  • Monounsaturated Fat 0.19 g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3 g
  • Cholesterol 0 mg
  • Sodium 9.33 mg
  • Salt 0.02 g
  • Total Carbohydrate 21.5 g
  • Dietary Fibre 5.92 g
  • Total Sugars 2.12 g
  • Complex / starch 12.4 g
  • Protein 8.72 g
  • Water 70 g
Detailed nutrients

Cooked legumes deliver plant protein, resistant starch, and fibre with little fat.

In the kitchen

Culinary partners and combinations that usually underperform with Broad Bean.

Pairs well with

Classic and complementary matches

Usually avoid with

Often clash in flavour or tradition

History

IL

Fava beans were domesticated in the Near East among the earliest Old World pulses.

EG

Egyptian and Mediterranean cookery fixed dried favas in breakfast stews and purees.

GB

Broad beans became a standard British garden and field pulse for fresh and dried use.

Canned and frozen broad beans extended seasonal green fava beyond local harvests.

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