Fava Beans are the only bean native to Europe and the Old World. This bean has been grown since prehistoric times. They may be served creamed, sauced in a myriad of ways, or pureed. They are a traditional Italian bean served with ham or bacon and a nice Chianti.....er...red wine. Fava Beans are available canned, frozen and are fresh in the winter and spring . Normally shelled, the young pods are also cooked and eaten.

Here are some good Fava Bean sites:

http://www.vegweb.com/glossary/favabean.shtml

http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/Crops/BeanBroad.html

http://www.nutrition.cornell.edu/nutriquest/favabean.html

http://warp.eecs.berkeley.edu/recipes/dips-spreads/recipe169.rec