SC - Favas

[LrdRas at aol.com]

In a message dated 3/10/99 8:11:38 PM Eastern Standard Time,
RoseThstle at aol.com writes:

<< "English Runner beans are close to the fava.. >>

In that it grows on a vine, perhaps. Scarlet runner beans are Phaseolus and
resemble  giant great northern or marrow beans more closely than favas which
resemble limas more than anything else.

<<Fava beans are larger than a pea, >>

Much larger. ;-)

<<or European broad beans >>

This cought my eye. SFAIK, broad beans and fava beans are the same animal.
Could the book you mention be using the term 'broad bean' to mean 'Italian
green beans' which are indeed wider podded than regular green beans?

<<and can be cooked for limas.>>

Agreed although as with any food item, there is a slight taste difference
which is not enouigh to matter except  if a person is expecting one or the
other specifically. Certainly close enough for getting the feel and a close
approximation of the period flavor of the dish. Personally, I think mature
green limas (limagrandes) capture the earthiness of favas more closely. It is
6 of one and half a dozen of the other. :-)

<<  If picked early enough, they can be cooked as snap beans." >>

Correct. Just remember to pull the strings which are fibrous and objectionable
to some people. You can also grow your own easily in cool weather. Simply
plant them as soon as your ground can be worked.

Ras
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