Abstract
Broad beans (Vicia faba L.) are rarely consumed in Northern Europe and in the USA, whereas they are constantly present in the culinary habits of the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries. This grain legume is characterized by interesting nutritional properties because of high levels of complex carbohydrates, proteins, and dietary fiber, coupled with a low content of saturated lipids and the presence of several bioactive compounds. However, broad beans are much more than a cheap source of nutrients. Among the oldest domesticated legumes, they have also a cultural value linked to an ancient symbolic meaning. Generally associated with funerary rituals, broad beans have also a positive significance being “dead” seeds with a regenerative capacity. This review focuses on the social symbolism of broad bean consumption and its associated rituals. Furthermore, the culinary habits related to this legume are analyzed along different Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries, from Egypt to Iran. Soups, thick gruels, and purees were found to be by far the most common culinary preparations. Using the Egyptian ful medames as a model, the study highlights a link between broad bean–based dishes in different countries, which arises from similar environmental conditions and from cultural interactions along trade routes. Enhancing the knowledge of these ethnic legume-based foods could improve the diet of Western countries by increasing the consumption of legumes.
Highlights
Vicia faba L. is one of the oldest domesticated pulses
The Egyptians were inspired by other types of fried croquettes (fish, meat, Fig. 8 Consuming ful medames in the street. a A carts typically used in Egypt by the street vendors of ful medames (A’rabeyet el-ful). b Usual decoration of the carts, depicting surah of the Quran, in this case the 113.01 and the 02.172 surah. The latter is related to food: Oh you who have believed, eat from the good things which We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah if it is [] Him that you worship. c Traditional street serving composed of a dish, a ful medames seasoned with abundant tahini sauce, and, counterclockwise, ta’meya, fried potatoes, cottage cheese with diced tomato and oil, pickled eggplants, salad, and pickled vegetables
In conclusion, broad beans are much more than a cheap source of nutrients
Summary
Vicia faba L. (family Fabaceae) is one of the oldest domesticated pulses. The earliest evidence of its farming dates back to 10,200 years ago in the Southern Levant [1]. Ful medames is typically prepared using dried broad beans, which have to be soaked in water to soften prior to cooking. Ful medames usually goes together with another Egyptian popular dish made of broad beans named ta’meya (or ta’miyya), well known abroad as falafel.
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