Sardinian Dried Fava Beans

Sardinian Dried Fava Beans

500 gram bag - Sardinia, Italy

These beans are a photographic joy! They are variegated in colors and their shape is full of undulations!

These Vicia faba are from Sardinia and they are especially special!

Fava beans, scientifically known as Vicia faba, have a long history that spans thousands of years, with evidence of their cultivation dating back to ancient civilizations. 

These beans are believed to be one of the first domesticated crops, with their origins in the Near East, around 6,000 to 8,000 years ago. Their widespread cultivation eventually spread to other parts of the world, including Europe, North Africa, and Asia.

Fava beans were cultivated by ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. In ancient Egypt, fava beans were often used in religious rituals, and they were sometimes buried with the dead as offerings to the gods. 

In ancient Rome, fava beans were a staple food for both the poor and the wealthy. The Romans used fava beans in a variety of dishes, often cooked with olive oil, garlic, and other vegetables. 

They also believed that the beans had medicinal properties and were used to treat ailments such as ulcers, gastrointestinal issues, and even to relieve colic.

Fava beans are an excellent source of protein, fiber, vitamins (particularly folate), and minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium.

Favas are one of the few varieties of beans that contain a compound called levodopa (L-DOPA), which is used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Historically, they have been used in some cultures for medicinal purposes, although modern medicine now uses synthetic L-DOPA for treating Parkinson’s.

How cool is that! 

All this is cool stuff, but the best thing about these beans is the recipes that have evolved and been created around them! That and they are strangely gorgeous …

Fava beans are not only a culinary staple but also hold genetic importance. They are a rich source of protein, fiber, and vitamins, and they are often used in plant-based diets as a meat substitute.

However, they are also known for causing a condition called favism in certain individuals—particularly those of Mediterranean or African descent. Favism is a hereditary condition that causes a severe reaction to fava beans due to a genetic deficiency in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD). This condition can lead to hemolytic anemia, a severe breakdown of red blood cells.