Egyptian Fava Beans (Foul Baladi)
Name
Arabic: الفول البلدي (Foul Baladi), الفول المصري (Foul Masri), الباقلاء (Baqlia)
English: Fava bean, Broad bean (Scientific name: Vicia faba)
Botanical Description
Family: Fabaceae (Legume family)
Plant: Annual herb, growing 0.5-1.8 meters tall
Leaves: Pinnately compound, dark green in color
Flowers: White or purple with black spots
Fruits: Long green pods containing large seeds (typically 3-8 seeds per pod)
Varieties
Small-seeded (Minor): Smaller beans, grown for fresh consumption
Large-seeded (Major): Larger beans, used either dried or fresh
Other varieties: Such as Vicia faba equina (for animal feed)
Health Benefits
Rich in protein: (20-30%), excellent meat alternative in vegetarian diets
High fiber content: Improves digestion and reduces cholesterol
Promotes heart health: Contains potassium and magnesium
Supports blood health: Rich in iron and folate (important for pregnancy)
Regulates blood sugar: Low glycemic index, suitable for diabetics
Medicinal Uses
Used to treat anemia (due to high iron content)
Recommended for improving fertility (contains zinc)
Medical preparations:
Dried bean powder: Added to foods to boost nutritional value
Fava bean oil: Used in some cosmetic preparations
Cultivation Methods
Climate: Grows in temperate regions (15-25°C), cold-tolerant but sensitive to extreme heat
Soil: Fertile, well-drained (pH 6-7.5)
Planting season:
In Egypt: Planted from October to November (winter crop)
In colder regions: Planted in spring after last frost
Irrigation: Requires regular moisture, especially during pod formation
Harvest: After 4-5 months (when pods become dry or tender depending on use)
Parts Used as Medicine
Seeds: Consumed fresh, dried, or ground
Leaves: Sometimes used in traditional medicine to treat inflammation
Active Compounds
Proteins: Including vicin and convicin
Carbohydrates: 55-60% (with high dietary fiber)
Vitamins: B1, B6, folate, vitamin K
Minerals: Iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc
Export details to all parts of the world
Egyptian Fava Beans grains for export
Drying: Natural sun drying and
industrial drying
Packaging: Bags
Package Weight: 20 kg
Container: 20-foot container
Sorting and Packing: Automate
