Fava or Broad Bean Seeds (Vicia faba)
Standard fare in many countries, favas normally have white flowers with distinctive black centres. Growing 4-5 feet, the thick stalks have pods that dry and darken from the ground up over a period of several weeks. Planted in early spring, fava beans will be ready to start harvesting by the end of July. Many varieties overwinter well on the coast and in the southern U.S. Yields are very high. Favas are one of the best nitrogen-fixing plants. Plant favas a seed's width beneath the soil, about a foot apart, in rows 1-2 feet apart. Favas are a cooler-weather crop and will not thrive in heat. Harvest broad beans for fresh eating when the beans swell the green pods. (Eat beans only, not pods.) Harvest the dry beans when the pods are black. Saving your own seed: Some crossing can occur between fava varieties, so isolate your cultivars as much as you can if purity is desirable. Or plant only one variety. Favas contain very little oil but are high in carbohydrates and protein. Soak favas overnight, then simmer 75 minutes. One way to serve is with garlic, olive oil and lemon. (Packets contain approx. 25 seeds unless otherwise stated.)
We are currently offering 5 varieties of Fava or Broad Bean Seeds (Vicia faba).
Andy's Broad Bean ($3.50)
Selected for over 3 decades by Andy Pollock of northern BC. Large green seeds. Huge production. Excellent cooked dry bean with tender skins. (Due to large seed size packet may contain less than 25 seeds.)
Exhibition Longpod Fava ($3.50)
Strong, sturdy and vigorous 1.5m high plants produce heavy crops of thick, fleshy pods up to 30cm long, that contain delicious light greenish white broad beans. Introduced in 1845. (From Pam Gordon of Hornby Island who has been growing this fava for 40 years.)
Purple Fava ($3.50)
Striking, large royal purple seeds. Buttery flavour and sweet after taste. Make fine fresh shelling beans. Plants are 3-4 ft. Flower tops great in salad. Plant in early spring. (Due to large seed size packet may contain less than 25 seeds.)
Barton's Broad Bean » certified organic ($3.50)
Hardy, large-seeded fava. Delicious dry bean. Also excellent as a fresh shelled bean. High yields.
Sweet Lorane » certified organic ($3.50)
Small-seeded fava is a great nitrogen fixer and used for cover cropping when planted in the fall. Great flavour makes for an excellent dry bean cooked in soups and stews.