Fava bean (broad bean) may be introduced as soon as a baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. Note: If a baby has a family history of G6PD deficiency (also known as favism), or is of African, Mediterranean, South Asian, or Southwest Asian (Middle Eastern) descent, talk to the child’s medical provider before introducing fava bean. The legume is the main food trigger for individuals with G6PD deficiency, and when fava bean is consumed, these individuals can experience hemolytic anemia, which can lead to critical illness. 

If a baby has a family history of G6PD deficiency (also known as favism), or is of African, Mediterranean, South Asian, or Southwest Asian (Middle Eastern) descent, talk to the child’s medical provider before introducing fava bean. The legume is the main food trigger for individuals with G6PD deficiency, and when fava bean is consumed, these individuals can experience hemolytic anemia, which can lead to critical illness.  Breastfeeding moms of similar backgrounds or with babies with G6PD should take care, as compounds from fava bean can be transferred into breast milk and cause reactions.   

Yes. In fact, the bean goes by many names: fava and haba in the Americas; cándòu and đậu rộng in Asia; and bagilla, bakla, and fūl in the Mediterranean region to name a few. Its name in English (broad bean) alludes to its shape as the plant matures and its seeds (or beans) swell and widen.

The legume’s many names hints at its widespread use in kitchens across the globe. In Egypt, fava beans are stewed with herbs, citrus, and aromatics to make ful medames, a popular breakfast and lunch. Ethiopians and neighbors in Eritrea and Sudan prepare a similar dish, flavoring the beans with ghee and spice blends such as berbere. They also pulverize the beans into hilbet, a dry paste used in injera bread and stews. To the north in Greece and Italy, fresh fava beans are lightly cooked with artichokes and seasoned with salty cheese to usher in the spring season. Across the world, Mexicans enjoy a hearty tomato and onion soup thickened with habas. They also deep fry the beans to make a salty snack. Japanese snack on fava beans, too – though they call the bean “soramame” which means “sky bean” in English. It’s a fitting name considering the fairytale, Jack and the Beanstalk, which features a fava bean that sprouts into a hardy plant that grows so tall that it reaches the clouds.

Yes. Fava beans have got it all: plant-based protein, healthy fats, fiber, and energy from complex carbohydrates. They also contain lots of folate for brain and nervous system development, omega 3 fatty acids for healthy blood, and zinc for a robust immune system. 

Keep in mind that fava beans can be a trigger for favism, a genetic condition also called G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase) deficiency.

★Tip: The season for fresh fava beans is short, so grab them while you can and buy more than you think you need. There are only a couple of beans in each pod.

Yes. Fava beans can be a choking hazard if a child attempts to swallow a whole bean. To minimize the risk, remove each bean from its pod, peel the casings, cook the beans until soft, and gently flatten the beans with a finger or fork. Alternatively, purée the beans. Make sure to create a safe eating environment, stay within arm’s reach of baby during meals, and check out our age-appropriate serving suggestions.

For more information on choking, visit our sections on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with the list of common choking hazards.

No. Allergies to fava bean are rare, but possible.    What is more common is “favism”, also called G6PD deficiency. For affected individuals, consuming fava beans can lead to serious health conditions, such as hemolytic anemia, jaundice, and brain damage.  Symptoms of favism can include pale skin, jaundice, dark urine, fever, weakness, dizziness, confusion, and an increased heart rate.  Although favism can occur at any age, it is more common and can be more severe in children (especially in boys).

If a baby has a family history of G6PD deficiency, or is of African, Mediterranean, South Asian, or Southwest Asian (Middle Eastern) descent, talk to the child’s medical provider before introducing fava bean. Prevalence of the condition ranges widely between 5-30% in these regions, and G6PD deficiency may affect 10% of African American males in the United States.      Breastfeeding moms of similar backgrounds and/or with babies with G6PD should also take this added precaution, as compounds from fava beans can be transferred into breast milk and cause reactions. 

When introducing fava beans, start by offering a small quantity during the first serving, and watch for symptoms of hemolytic anemia over the next 24 hours. These can include irritability, lethargy, dark urine, pale appearance, a sudden increase in body temperature, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, abdominal or lower back discomfort, or yellowing of the whites of the eyes, mucus membranes, or skin.  If there is no adverse reaction within 24 hours of the first serving, you can gradually increase the amount over future meals.

Recommended Guide: Introducing Allergens