Fava bean

Fava Bean

The Fava Bean (Vicia faba), also known as the broad bean, faba bean, or field bean, is a species of flowering plant in the pea and bean family Fabaceae. It is native to North Africa and Southwest Asia but is now widely cultivated elsewhere.

Description

Fava beans are annual plants, growing to between 0.5 and 1.8 meters tall. The leaves are pinnate with 2–7 leaflets, and unlike most other vetches, the leaves do not have tendrils for climbing over other vegetation.

Cultivation and uses

Fava beans are among the most ancient plants in cultivation and also among the easiest to grow. They are a cool-season crop, planted in late winter or early spring. The beans are high in protein and fiber, and are used in a variety of culinary applications.

Nutritional value

Fava beans are high in protein, fiber, and other nutrients, making them a healthy addition to any diet. They are also a good source of folate, manganese, and copper.

Health benefits

Fava beans have several health benefits, including helping to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, improving digestion, aiding weight loss, and boosting the immune system.

Potential risks

Despite their many health benefits, fava beans can cause a condition called favism in some people. This is a reaction to the consumption of fava beans, leading to hemolytic anemia.

See also

• List of legume dishes
• Pulse (legume)