Outsidepride Fava Bean Cover Crop Seed - 1 OZ

Fava Beans (Vicia Faba) - Also known as broad beans, field beans, and Windsor beans (variety for human consumption), favas are a tried and true bean seed dating back to the 4th century. Fava beans are one of the oldest domesticated food legumes although this variety is not for humans. References to favas occur in many ancient documents indicating they have been part of the Middle Eastern diet for centuries. They are a hardy perennial grown as an annual and often used during crop rotation and specifically utilized as cover crop to preserve the soil and reduce weed growth. The crops are then plowed under to invigorate the soil with nitrogen and organic nutrients. In fact, most fava plants are grown as a cover crop rather than a food source. With that being said, it is not surprising beans have been a staple in the human diet since the beginning of time since they are a great source of fiber, protein, fiber, potassium, B vitamins, iron, magnesium and many other beneficial nutrients. You definitely need to try fresh fava beans as they have a mild, creamy flavor which goes well with many other foods. Fresh from the pod they are bright green in color; however, they have a short season. If you are trying to utilize fava beans outside of spring, your best option is to use frozen fava beans. Fava bean pods usually contain 2 to 7 large lemon lime-colored beans. Unlike pea pods, fava pods are considered inedible; however, the beans are tender, with a sweet, mild flavor. If you are familiar with the shape of lima beans, favas are similar. The bean's skin is thick and their texture can range from starchy to creamy depending on how young they are and how they are prepared. You can also eat the young leaves, shoots, tendrils and flowers of the fava plant. Unless you are a bean fanatic, you will probably prepare fava beans with other spring vegetables or add to salads and soups. You might also consider making a puree out of them and using as a spread.