Broad bean

Fève

What it is

One of the oldest crops in cultivation, and the only vegetable Pythagoras forbade his followers to eat — nobody has ever satisfactorily explained why. In the Middle East it feeds breakfast as ful medames, a dish older than the pyramids.

In the kitchen

Double-pod anything past the first young ones: shell, blanch a minute, then slip each bean out of its grey jacket.

Goes with

Mint Pecorino Romano Olive oil Lemon Savory Garlic Guanciale Spring onion

Same species

Dried broad bean Fava bean flour

Also used with

Fiore Sardo Pecorino Sardo Pecorino Toscano Ragusano

In season alongside

Broccoli Cauliflower Elephant garlic Green bean Molokhia Pak choi

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