Tesco and suppliers trial the use of ‘revolutionary’ fava bean

Tesco and its suppliers are set to triple the production of fava beans, trialing its use across a variety of product ranges and ingredients.

Described by the leading retailer as a ‘revolutionary crop’, the beans have traditionally been grown across the UK and in recent years have been exported to the Middle East to make falafel and humous, as well as used in animal feed across Europe.

Looking to increase UK demand for fava beans, Tesco has partnered with processor, AB Mauri to encourage farmers to diversify and increase their production of the legume.

The supermarket giant is also working with its own-brand suppliers including ready meal producer Samworth Brothers to develop nutritious recipes using the bean.

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This comes as it is believed that by introducing fava beans into a traditional five-year crop rotation on farms, there could be a fivefold increase in the amount produced, with a potential three million tonnes grown per year.

The beans also thrive without the need for additional chemical-based fertilisers while repairing the soil that it’s grown in. As a result, this increases soil fertility and organic content, helping to lock-in carbon in the process.

“We’re always looking for innovative ways to make the products we sell more sustainable, so we’re really excited about the potential for fava beans to be used across our product ranges,” Tesco sustainable food and innovation manager, Emily Rout said.

“As we look to overcome challenges like food security, climate change, and biodiversity loss, foods like fava beans could also help us establish a circular food system, as they can also be used in different crop rotations and be fed to animals. It really could be a miracle crop in terms of improving sustainability across our food system.”

AB Mauri UK head of sales, Andrew Dinsdale said: “There is a huge opportunity to add fava beans to a number of products and ingredients – as a plant-based alternative to animal protein, but also in other areas such as bakery or ‘Food To Go’ options.

“Given fava beans enjoy ideal growing conditions here in the UK, the potential for it to form a key part of our diets in the future is really exciting. We’re really pleased to be partnering with Tesco and its suppliers to explore these options and hope to unveil some delicious new products very soon.”