There are countless varieties of broad beans. All are breeds of an original plant that probably no longer exists today. The individual species differ not only in the size and color of their seeds, but also in growth habit, height, flower color and harvest time. Below we present the most important broad bean varieties.

The cultivar Crimson bears beautiful deep red flowers

The synonyms of the broad bean

Broad bean, field bean or broad bean: What's the difference? There is no. The broad bean, botanically Vicia faba, is known by many different names. These include:

  • broad bean
  • broad bean
  • broad bean
  • fava bean
  • fab bean
  • Big bean
  • Pork Bean
  • cattle bean
  • broad bean

Characteristics of the broad bean

The broad bean not only has many names, there are also many different breeds that differ in flower color, growth height and bean color as well as taste. All broad bean varieties have in common:

  • belong to the vetch family
  • have taproots and thus loosen the soil
  • Due to their frost hardiness, they can be sown and harvested early and are therefore suitable as a preceding crop
  • they can be processed young as a vegetable or dried and stored for a long time
  • Most varieties do not grow higher than 1.50m and do not require climbing aids

The ingredients of broad beans

Broad beans are healthy - regardless of the variety. Field beans are particularly rich in minerals and are an important source of protein for vegetarians. A cup of broad beans (170g) contains 13 grams of protein and covers 40% of the daily requirement for folic acid, 22% copper and 18% of the magnesium requirement. They contain hardly any fat, but 18g carbohydrates per 100g. These nutrients (per 100gr) make them an ideal side dish:

  • Sodium: 25 mg
  • Potassium: 332 mg
  • Protein: 8g
  • Vitamin A: 333 IU
  • Vitamin C: 3.7 mg
  • Calcium: 37 mg
  • Iron: 1.6 mg
  • Magnesium: 33 mg

A brief introduction to the types of beans

type of bean bean color flower color growth height growing season Other features
Aquadulce Green, reddish brown when ripe White xxx mid morning Strongly growing
Bad Salty Brownish White-pink with black spots Medium high Leaves can be used in salads
Triple White green pure white Old, vigorous variety
Eleanor green White with black spots short stature Stable, very productive
Early white germs White White black Medium high early variety Robust, productive
groot beans White White black Late variety From East Friesland
hang down green Mottled white and black Up to 2m medium late Long hanging pods
crimson green Bright red short stature Very easy to care for
Osnabrück market Light green grain, later beige mid morning Long hanging pods
ratio green low growing Very early variety

Category:

Vegetable garden