Broad Bean (Vicia faba major)

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Vicia faba major is a ANNUAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. It can fix Nitrogen.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

pleasant floury taste. — Immature seed - raw or cooked.; Broad bean seeds are very nutritious and are frequently used as items of food.; The seeds can be eaten raw when they are small and tender, as they grow older they can be cooked as a vegetable.; They have a very pleasant floury taste.

Habitat & North American Range

Not known in a truly wild situation. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)