Fava Feast

One thing in the garden that I have managed to stay on top of while in the midst of a month-long-and-counting renovation is picking the fava beans.  The pods are swelling up nicely with plump emerald gems that are sweet and earthy and simple to prepare.  For a quick and easy recipe check out this VGF post.

I planted seeds last October to see how the favas might overwinter and do double duty as a cover crop.  I figured at the very least if they were killed off by frost that they would at least be adding some nitrogen to the soil.  And we didn't get a killing frost this winter so they made it through and are rewarding us with green goodness.

Young favas and purple mustard

I planted some additional favas in February when the peas went in, and the two sets of favas are only about 2 or 3 weeks different in pod development.  However, in the front yard the fall-planted favas are setting more fruit than the spring-planted ones.  I think this might be due to the large cherry tree that sits to the south of the veggie barrels there - the spring-planted favas had less light because the tree was leafing out during their early growth.  So I'm considering a spring planting next year only if I loose fall-planted ones over the winter as this seems to give them the best conditions.

I see bunnies!

Besides being delicious and fixing nitrogen in the soil, fava beans are beautiful plants. They have blue-green leaves that shimmer in the wind, composed of gracefully pinnate leaflets, and their white pea-like flowers have distinct purple-black dots on them that playfully remind me of bunnies (see for yourself!). Mine are 3 to 4 feet tall and each plant sports multiple branches, so 9 plants in a 22 inch diameter wine barrel is about the most intensely you can plant them in my experience.

Graceful favas and mustard blossoms

I've only grown the variety 'Long Pod' because its the only one they stock at the grocery store through Ed Hume seeds. However, with their great success in the cool wet spring weather here and somewhat miraculous overwintering, I'm going to branch out and try some other varieties this fall.  Fava beans (a.k.a broad beans) are common in many Mediterranean dishes, including the Italian pasta e fagoli and Lebanese foul medames. As you plan your fall garden, try some fava beans - they are a great and easy addition to your soil and table.



Pick when big and bumpy

For more about favas and specifics on how to grow them, check out this article from Ed Hume.


Verdant goodness!