ILLEA - Latin American Institute for Environmental Studies

Fava

Vicia faba, popularly known as broad beans, is a legume with multiple uses, both in human and animal food, in addition to its importance in agriculture.

Uses in Food:

• Source of protein: Broad beans are rich in protein, making them an excellent option for vegetarian and vegan diets.

• Fiber: They contain a high amount of fiber, aiding digestion and promoting satiety.

• Vitamins and minerals: They are a source of B vitamins, iron, potassium, and other essential nutrients.

• Culinary versatility: They can be consumed fresh, dried, or canned, and used in various dishes, such as soups, stews, salads, and purees.

Uses in Agriculture:

• Green manure: Broad beans are used as green manure because they fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it for other crops.

• Animal feed: Broad beans are also used in animal feed as a source of protein for livestock.