For millennia, humans have appreciated the humble fava bean.
It’s one of the oldest cultivated crops in the world, dating back to about 6500 B.C.E.
In fact, the first written record of this ancient crop comes from the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs.
Fava beans are also known as broad beans or horse beans (in North America), because they look like small horse hooves.
They’re related to lentils, peas, chickpeas, and other legumes.
The name “fava” comes from the Latin word for “bean.”
What is the difference between canned and dried fava beans?
“Dried” and “canned” refer to the same thing — the type of bean.
In both cases, the beans are harvested while still green and unripe, then stored until ready to eat.
There are two main types of fava beans: the edible variety and the not-so-edible variety.
Edible varieties can be eaten raw, cooked, or pickled.
Not-so-edible varieties are used to make hummus, falafel, soup, and more.
How do you cook canned fava beans?
You can boil or steam them, but they’re best served cold.
You’ll find them at most grocery stores alongside the other canned vegetables.
If you buy them loose, check the expiration date on the package before cooking.
Steamed Beans in The Microwave is one of the best dishes for canned fava beans.
Steaming green beans helps to preserve their nutrients and color.
It also helps to keep them from getting mushy.
What is the shelf life of canned fava beans?
Shelf life refers to how long the product will last after it’s opened.
Canned fava beans should keep for up to six months if kept cool and dry.
However, they don’t freeze well, so if you need to store them for a longer period of time, you might want to consider freezing them instead.
Are canned fava beans as nutritious as fresh fava beans?
Yes, they are very nutritious.
While they contain less fiber and more fat than fresh fava beans, they’re packed with vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, magnesium, copper, folate, and vitamin K.
Why are canned fava beans sometimes called “broad beans”?
Broad beans come from the common garden pea plant.
They’re often referred to as broad beans because their pods resemble those of the common garden pea.
How do you know when canned fava beans have gone bad?
If you open a can of fava beans and they smell sour or rancid, throw them out immediately.
If you notice mold growing inside the can, toss it too.
If you see any sign of rusting or corrosion, discard the entire batch.
What are some popular dishes that include canned fava beans?
Fava beans are a staple in many cuisines around the world, especially Mediterranean cuisine.
You can find them in soups, stews, salads, and pasta dishes.
They’re particularly good in spicy sauces, such as Greek tzatziki sauce.
Here are some tasty ways to enjoy canned fava beans:
- Tacos al pastor (Mexican)
- Falafel (Middle Eastern)
- Spicy chicken stew (Chinese)
- Chickpea salad (Mediterranean)
- Hummus (Middle Eastern)
- Pinto beans (South American)
What are some tips for using canned fava beans in recipes?
If you’re looking for a quick snack, try adding canned fava beans to vegetable dips, such as guacamole or hummus.
You can also use them as an alternative to meat in chili, or even as a substitute for ground beef in tacos.
Are there any brands of canned fava beans that you recommend?
I personally prefer Trader Joe’s canned fava beans over all others I’ve tried.
They taste just like the ones I get fresh at my local farmers’ market.
To learn more about different types of beans, here are some interesting facts about beans:
Beans are considered one of the easiest foods to grow.
Every year, Americans consume about 100 billion pounds of beans worldwide.
In 2014, the U.S. produced 8.6 billion pounds of soybeans, 2.3 billion pounds of lentils, 1.9 billion pounds of pinto beans, and 1.7 billion pounds of black beans.
Steam Green Beans in Microwave
Equipment
- 1 microwave
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh greenbeans
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic
- ¼ teaspoon onion power
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Wash the green beans and trim off the ends.
- Place the green beans in a microwave-safe dish.
- Add the water, lemon juice, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cover the dish with a lid or plastic wrap and cook on high for 3-4 minutes, or until the green beans are tender.
- Once the green beans are cooked, remove them from the microwave and serve immediately.
Video
Nutrition
I have a true passion for cooking and experimenting with new ingredients, and I have been creating and perfecting recipes for friends and family for years.
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