Vicia Faba
Open pollinated. A small broad bean about the size of a pea. This broad bean plant crops prolifically. Described often as low-growing to 100cm, although my current crop is 180cm. Quite wind tolerant although protection advised by loosely tying the plants together in groups. Harvest young pods for fresh beans or allow them to dry on plants for dried beans and for seed saving.
This broad bean is the main ingredient in a renowned traditional Egyptian breakfast dish, Foul (foule, fu) Mudammas. Easy to find variations on this recipe online. Basically boil fresh beans until soft (5-10 minutes), mash with some salt, pepper and cumin. Top with diced tomato, red onion and capsicum (red/green/orange) and add a teaspoon or so of extra virgin olive oil and tahini. Heaven in a very healthy bowl.
Beans should be kept on the plant until the end of the season for dried broad beans and for seed saving.
