Introduction: Also known as horse bean or Buddha bean, broad bean has large, thick pods and flat, oval seeds. It was brought to the Central Plains by Zhang Qian on his diplomatic mission to the Western Regions. Egyptians have a sweet tooth, and desserts are a must-have at the end of formal banquets or family dinners, with broad bean being an essential one.
People mainly eat green broad beans, and there are also cooked broad beans served as snacks. There are two types of green broad beans on the market: one is the "ke bean," also known as "za jia dou," which has dark skin, narrow and long pods, and 3-4 beans per pod. The other is the local bean, originally grown in areas like Sanlin and Dachang, and now grown in places like Changshu and Qidong. It has light-colored pods and a fragrant, glutinous texture.
[Nutritional Components]
Broad beans are high in protein and contain small amounts of vitamins and various trace elements such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, and manganese. They have the effect of enhancing memory. If you are preparing for exams or are a mental worker, eating broad beans in moderation may be beneficial for you.
[Medicinal Properties]
Traditional medicine believes that broad beans are sweet and neutral in nature, and can replenish qi, invigorate the spleen, promote urination, and reduce swelling. They are especially suitable for people with spleen deficiency and diarrhea. Modern research considers broad beans to be one of the anti-cancer foods, which may help prevent colorectal cancer.
The vitamin C in broad beans can delay arteriosclerosis, and the crude fiber in the broad bean skin can lower cholesterol and promote intestinal peristalsis.
[How to Eat] Broad beans can be prepared in a variety of ways, resulting in a wide range of foods, such as stewed broad beans, fried broad bean cakes, braised broad beans, dry-fried broad beans, and congee.
[Precautions for Consumption]
Broad beans contain substances that can cause allergies. People with allergies may experience varying degrees of allergic reactions or acute hemolytic poisoning symptoms. Most people recover within a few days, but about one-tenth of cases can be fatal during the acute phase, which is commonly known as "favism."
"Favism" is caused by a deficiency of a certain enzyme and is a genetic defect. Those who have had a broad bean allergy must not eat it again. If this condition occurs, one should seek medical attention immediately to prevent accidents. People whose parents or grandparents have had this condition should avoid eating broad beans and their products, and should avoid contact with broad bean pollen.
Broad beans should not be eaten raw; they should be soaked multiple times before cooking. They should not be eaten in excess to prevent bloating and damage to the spleen and stomach. Eating broad beans with river snails can easily trigger colorectal cancer.