About Fava Bean (Broad Bean)
Fava bean, also called broad bean, is a soft legume that can be a nutritious food for babies once fully cooked and prepared safely. Its mild, earthy flavor works well mashed into spreads, stirred into purees, or served as flattened finger food for babies learning to self-feed. Fava beans provide plant protein, fiber, folate, potassium, and some iron, making them a helpful addition to a varied diet. These nutrients support growth, digestion, and healthy cell development. Because the iron in beans is non-heme iron, serving fava beans with a vitamin C-rich food like tomato, bell pepper, citrus, or strawberries can help the body absorb more of it. Fava bean is not a common allergen, but it has an important safety consideration: it can trigger a serious reaction called hemolytic anemia in people with G6PD deficiency. If your child has G6PD deficiency or there is a family history of it, speak with your pediatric clinician before offering fava beans. For all babies, remove tough outer skins when possible and avoid serving whole firm beans to beginners because they can be a choking hazard. Most babies can start fava beans from 6 months old if the beans are fully cooked until soft and served mashed or pureed. As oral skills improve, offer peeled and flattened beans, then chopped soft beans, and later well-cooked whole beans for confident chewers. Always serve seated upright and supervise closely during meals.
How to serve by age
Cook fava beans until very soft, remove skins when possible, and mash or puree with water, breast milk, formula, olive oil, or another familiar food. Avoid serving if your child has G6PD deficiency unless cleared by a clinician.
Offer fully cooked fava beans with the outer skin removed and the bean gently flattened between fingers or a fork. This shape is easier to pick up and safer than whole beans.
If your toddler chews well, offer chopped soft beans or well-cooked whole peeled beans in small portions. Continue to avoid firm or undercooked beans.
Serve soft fava beans in rice dishes, stews, pasta, or vegetable mixes for toddlers who reliably chew and swallow well. Supervise closely and keep portions manageable.
Pairs well with
Safety & allergens
Fava beans can be a choking risk if served whole, firm, or with tough skins. For younger babies, serve fully cooked beans mashed, pureed, or flattened. Remove outer skins when possible, and do not offer whole beans until your child is chewing well and managing soft legumes safely.
What to watch for
Safety checklist
Storage & shelf life
Store cooked fava beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
Freeze cooked mashed or peeled fava beans in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition
- Provides plant protein to support growth
- Contains fiber to help support healthy digestion
- Offers folate for healthy cell growth and development
- Provides potassium for muscle and nerve function
- Contains some iron, especially helpful when paired with vitamin C-rich foods
- Iron from beans is less easily absorbed than iron from animal foods
- Can cause gas or bloating in some children
- Needs thorough cooking and careful preparation for safe texture
- Not suitable without medical guidance for children with G6PD deficiency
Key nutrients
Nutrition facts
| Calories | 88kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 7.9g |
| Carbs | 17.6g |
| Fat | 0.7g |
| Fiber | 7.5g |
| Sugar | 9.2g |
| Iron | 1.6mg |
| Calcium | 37.0mg |
| Potassium | 332mg |
| Vitamin C | 4mg |
| Vitamin A | 17.0µg |
| Folate | 148µg |
| Zinc | 1.00mg |
per 100 g
In season
Common questions
When can babies eat Fava Bean (Broad Bean)?
Is Fava Bean (Broad Bean) a choking hazard?
Is Fava Bean (Broad Bean) a common allergen?
More first foods
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