Broad Beans

Early man’s first choice! Belonging to the pea family and possessing a strong and unique flavour, broad beans have been eaten for millennia, mainly due to their excellent keeping properties. They have a beautiful earthy flavour and a creamy texture that makes them a great addition to a wide variety of dishes. They were a staple in the ancient world and remain popular in the Middle East and the Mediterranean. Nowadays, they are fashionable in dishes worldwide. They can be eaten fresh or dried, and are often called Fava Beans, although Fava Beans are generally smaller in size compared to Broad Beans. When dried, they develop a slightly tough skin, so may take a bit longer to soak or cook… be patient! It is best to remove the skin before using. They are also used to make a popular Egyptian dish called Ful Medames, a cross between a bean salad and stew.