Short answer: soak fava beans for 6 to 12 hours, then rinse and drain them twice a day. Cook the sprouted beans after 3 to 4 days. For fava shoots, sow 250 to 350 g of soaked beans on a 10 × 20 inch tray and cut at 10 to 14 days. Avoid fava beans entirely if you have G6PD deficiency.
G6PD deficiency: people with this inherited condition should not eat fava beans in any form, including sprouts and shoots. Fava beans can trigger a serious reaction called favism.1
What are sprouted fava beans?
Fava beans, also called broad beans, are large flat beans. Their botanical name is Vicia faba. Sprouted, they grow a thick white tail. On soil, they grow into tall, crunchy green shoots with a sweet, green-bean flavour. Sprouting.com gives fava 3 to 4 days as sprouts and 10 to 14 as shoots.2
How to sprout fava beans
- Day0
Soak
Soak the beans in plenty of cool water for 6 to 12 hours. They'll nearly double in size.
- Day0–3
Rinse and drain
Drain into a large jar or sprouting bag. Rinse and drain twice a day.
- Day3–4
Cook
When short tails appear, simmer or steam the beans until tender. Slip off the tough skins if you like.
How to grow fava shoots
Soak 250 to 350 g of beans, then spread them in one layer on a 10 × 20 inch tray of moist soil. Cover with a weighted tray for 3 to 4 days, then uncover and give light. Cut the shoots at 10 to 14 days, when they're 4 to 6 inches tall. The method is like pea shoots.
Problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Beans rot in the jar | Too many beans, poor drainage | Use a big jar or bag, rinse often |
| Uneven shoots | Uneven soak or sowing | Soak in plenty of water, sow one layer |
| Tough shoots | Harvested late | Cut at 4 to 6 inches |
Tips for sprouting fava beans
- Use a big container. Fava beans swell a lot.
- Rinse often. Large beans hold heat and can sour.
Storing
Keep cooked sprouted beans in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Store dry fava shoots in a lined container for up to 5 days.
How to eat fava beans and shoots
- Sprouted beans: in stews, soups, dips and salads, after cooking
- Shoots: in salads, stir-fries and on pasta
Safety
Besides the G6PD warning, the usual sprout advice applies. The FDA says higher-risk groups should not eat raw or lightly cooked sprouts, and Health Canada advises everyone to cook them.34
Fava beans FAQ
Who should not eat fava beans?
People with G6PD deficiency should avoid fava beans in any form, including sprouts and shoots. Eating them can cause a serious reaction called favism.
How long do fava beans take to sprout?
About 3 to 4 days after a 6 to 12 hour soak. As shoots grown on soil, they're ready in 10 to 14 days.
Do sprouted fava beans need to be cooked?
Yes, cook them. Simmer or steam sprouted fava beans until tender. Fava shoots are usually eaten young, raw or lightly cooked.
Written by Michael
A passionate sprouting professional sharing practical tips for growing sprouts and microgreens at home. More about Michael
