Fava is my favorite bean. Went nuts for them when I lived on the Greek island of Kriti (Crete)---fresh from the open market. Didn't ever hear that Greeks were allergic. I found several bags of dried recently at Big Lots of all places. Just getting ready to cook the first bag and can't hardly wait for that elegant, kindof dusty flavor. Uhmm mmm mmm! - 3/4/2012   2:43:42 PM

Hi, Well we all know where we heard of Fava beans, but when I finally came across them at Pete's Fresh Produce in Milwaukee, I had to try them. This is a Mexican produce market so perhaps some of you looking for them may find them in a comparable Mexican market in your town. I haven't seen anything posted on what they taste like so I'll have to report back. I find it funny that you have to skin the little suckers, sounds like alot of work. I'll let you know if it is worth it. Cool Beans, Tammy - 12/15/2011   12:37:01 AM

Have never heard of these before! Just out of curiosity, I'll have to look for them; but, I'm betting they won't be offered at our local Wal-mart! - 4/18/2011   3:29:10 PM

DRB13_1 you are right; so do I.
I have never even found Fava beans in the stores where I shop, so I guess they are in some gourmet ones. - 4/18/2011   1:34:52 AM

Any time I hear fava beans, I think "Hannibal Lector"... - 4/18/2011   1:09:28 AM

being half Italian i grew up eating fava beans, but after i moved away from home, i have never seen them sold in store since. I try to pick up a few favorites like these when i go back home. - 4/15/2011   2:21:11 PM

The only place I've seen fresh fava beans is at our Farmer's Market, and only a few vendors. The first time I had them was when they appeared in our CSA share, and now I look forward to them every summer - even knowing it'll only be a few short weeks. - 4/14/2011   10:18:53 PM

When we were in Jordan and Egypt, we got acquainted with Ful Medammes (they'd also spell it "Foul Medammes" and of course we'd think, "ewwww" but it's because the Arabic language has to be spelled phonetically into English.) - very tasty and a very energizing way to start the day. If your town has any Middle Eastern restaurants or sometimes even Mediterranean restaurants, likely they might have a little bit of a grocery store and would carry Fava Beans. There are online sources of canned Fava beans as well. In Wichita, KS near where I live, there are quite a few places that carry fava beans, especially canned foods. Also, in our area, we have Asian grocery stores but they tend to carry ethnic foods from all over the world, not just Asian countries, and again, I can find fava beans there. Not sure if I've ever seen the fresh bean pods, but the seeds are available and people do grow them. - 4/14/2011   9:32:19 PM

They are good in a cold salad, if you are able to eat them without becoming ill. - 4/14/2011   8:52:55 PM

There should be a caution here.

Fava beans are are rich in tyramine and should be avoided by those taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors - a type of medication used to treat severe Depression. - 4/14/2011   8:06:07 PM

People of Greek and other Mediterranean descents should be very careful before eating fava beans. They (we) have a tendency to have bad allergic reactions to them. I, for one, would never touch one since I don't know if it would be safe for me. Do some research before eating fava beans. - 4/14/2011   1:20:46 PM

The hummus & pilaf recipes look good to me! Thanks. - 4/14/2011   12:01:36 PM

In Northern CA, fava beans are a winter crop and nitrogen fixer for the garden. Nice to see these recipes; my fava beans are just about ready to harvest! - 4/14/2011   11:36:09 AM

Here's another two for you...
1. After shelling my dried beans and blanching (set aside), In a frying pan, Saute bacon til however you like it's doneness, add diced onions and saute till done. Add Blanched Fava beans and some red wine. Simmer for 5-10 minutes or till beans are to the softness you desire.
OR
2. Blanch Beans and add to some Tomato or Pasta Sauce. Simmer till tender.
Both can be served over brown rice or pasta. Whole grain of course ! ! !
Enjoy ! ! !

- 4/14/2011   6:12:50 AM

I'm a big Ful Medammes fan. I like to eat them with pita bread wedges, pickles, tomato slices, and a sliced hard-boiled egg. A few sprinkles of hot sauce is a must, too. Local Seattleites can visit the B & O Espresso restaurant to have Ful Medammes for breakfast. - 4/13/2011   11:04:13 PM

Never have used these types of beans. I never see them for sale anywhere either. I think they just remind me of "Silence of the Lambs" - 4/13/2011   10:41:25 PM

Interesting. I've never actually used them. I'm motivated ;-) - 4/13/2011   2:56:59 PM

I have not eaten fava beans before. Will have to give these recipes a try. - 4/13/2011   2:53:46 PM

Sounds good ...Gonna' try a few of those recipes....! - 4/13/2011   11:50:22 AM

Oh, this is embarrassing, but I tend to associate fava beans with a nice Chianti. You can thank Hannibal Lecter for that !! LOL !!

I can't remember the last time I had fava beans. I think I had them in some type of bean salad when I did.
- 4/13/2011   11:19:39 AM

I honestly never see Fava beans at any of our grocery stores! Maybe I should start growing these! - 4/13/2011   11:14:54 AM