Fava Beans – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What are fava beans?

Pop culture enthusiasts may know about fava beans from Hannibal Lecter’s famed line in the 2001 movie Hannibal. Aside from being great with liver and a nice chianti, fava beans are a springtime crop that is grown and eaten around the world.

Fava beans are a type of broad bean considered to be one of the oldest cultivated plants. They have a long leathery green pod that matures to a dark brown color and are commonly eaten while young and tender. Many eat them raw or cooked, and some even dry them for later use. As an extremely versatile vegetable, fava beans can be used in salads, stews, sauces, fillings, and snacks.

Where did fava beans originate from?

Fava bean plants date back to 6,000 BCE and were eaten by ancient Greeks, Romans, and settlers of the Mediterranean. They are believed to have originated in the Asian Minor or Mediterranean region, but today, they are cultivated in over 50 countries.

Fava beans have been found in the tombs of Egyptian soldiers and were very popular in Ancient Greece. In fact, they had a magical reputation for a period of time, and priests were forbidden from eating them. Some say that the philosopher Pythagoras believed that fava beans contained the souls of dead people, so he and all his followers excluded fava beans from their diet.

Today, you’ll find these beans in Asian, Middle Eastern, European, South American, and African cuisines.

What are the benefits of eating fava beans?

The fava bean is a staple in the diet of many cultures. It contains 25g of fiber in a 100g serving. The fava bean is also rich in B vitamins and minerals, magnesium, and phosphorous.

Fava beans also contain ingredients that will lower cholesterol and improve digestion. Researchers also believe fava beans may be able to prevent some types of cancer or Parkinson’s disease.

How are fava beans grown?

Fava beans are a cold-weather crop typically planted in September or late fall for springtime harvests. Depending on the area, the exact time beans are sewn is different. It is not advisable to plant fava beans where they will be exposed to summer heat, as the plants won’t flower under those conditions.

Many times, fava beans are cultivated as a cover crop to prevent soil erosion. They are not a fan of dry soil and need to be watered when there is no rain.

When are fava beans in season?

You’ll typically find fava beans at your local supermarket in the springtime. Keep in mind, they have a short growing season, so you may have more luck shopping at a farmers’ market if you’re looking for fresh fava beans.

You can find dried beans, on the other hand, at Middle Eastern and Greek markets year-round. Sometimes you may even have luck in the frozen food aisle of your grocery store.

How do you pick fava beans at the grocery store?

When you find fava beans in your fresh vegetable section, you’ll want to try to select beans that are full all the way to the end. If you’re planning to cook the entire bean with the pod, we recommend buying smaller thin pods and cooking them right away. If you plan on shelling your beans, then you can use larger pods. Shelling is a common preparation, so you’ll likely find a larger selection of longer beans than small ones.

Don’t be surprised if you need to buy multiple pounds of beans. The pods tend to take up most of the weight of this fresh vegetable. Roughly 1lb of beans in a pod equals a cup of shelled beans.

Want help locating fava beans near you? Use Instacart to add fava beans to your next order. Once you add the beans to your order, tap “Instructions” and give your shopper precise notes about how to pick out your beans and what substitutions you will or won’t accept. Shop fava beans now.

How to store fava beans

Fresh fava beans will keep for up to 10 days in the refrigerator. Keep your beans in a plastic bag for the best storage. If you have younger or smaller beans, you will want to use them right away to ensure they’re as fresh as possible.

If you plan to shell your beans for later use, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 days. You can also freeze shelled fava beans for up to a month.

How to tell if fava beans are bad

You will be able to tell if your fava beans are spoiled by sight or smell. If they appear to have an off-color, odd texture, or strange smell, they should be discarded. You should also check to see if mold has started to grow on your fava. If that is the case, you will want to discard them.

What can I substitute for fava beans?

There are several beans that can be substituted for fava beans. The closest substitute is the lima bean. This may be easier to find in some places depending on where you live, and it has the same texture and flavor. This is ideal if your recipe calls for fresh fava beans.

If you’re making a soup or a stew, then canned cannellini beans are a good alternative.

Where can I find fava beans near me?

Fava beans will typically be in your local supermarket during the spring. If you need help finding them for a dish, download Instacart and start building your next grocery order. A shopper will go to the store following your instructions and deliver your items to your door the same day. Get all of your fresh vegetables now.

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