Fava beans

The fava bean, also known as the broad bean, is a large, green leguminous vegetable believed to have a long history of cultivation in Old World agriculture. Because fava beans are good at fixing nitrogen in the soil, farmers often use them as a cover crop (a crop planted to replenish soil nutrients, increase fertility, and manage pests and weeds) to rotate in between plantings of other crops, particularly during the winter.
Fava beans are available both fresh and dried. When buying fresh, seek out young, tender fava beans with bright green pods in the springtime. The beans must first be shucked to remove their thick pods, then blanched to peel the tough skins surrounding each individual bean. Favas bring a rich texture and flavor to dips, salads, and soups.
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Recipes with Fava beans
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Whole Grain Cavatelli with Baby Artichokes, Fava Beans, Green Garlic, and Spring OnionsSandy Sonnenfelt, The Pasta Shop |
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Vegetable Ragout with a BocanovaRick Hackett, MarketBar |
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Fava Bean Crostini with Pecorino and Lemon OilCraig Stoll, Delfina |
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Minted English Pea and Fava Bean DipFoodwise Kids Program |
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Articles about Fava beans
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June 10, 2011Spring's Last Gasp: RecipesThe fleeting fruits and vegetables of spring and early summer “keeps things exciting,” Locavore blogger Kimberly Hasselbrink of The Year in Food. She shares some recipes with CUESA. |
About CUESA
CUESA (Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture) is dedicated to growing thriving communities through the power and joy of local food. Learn More »